Don’t we all want our little ones to thrive? But sometimes, despite our best efforts, our kids don’t eat nutritious or balanced meals, compromising their growth and development. This case will make it clearer.
Recently, a bright but puny 8-year-old Sameera walked into my clinic with her parents. Sameera was lagging in growth. She fell sick often and on top of that her grades were slipping because she seemed easily distracted. After some tests and a detailed discussion with her parents, a few things became clear.
Firstly, Sameera was a fussy eater. Mostly, she preferred only eating bread jam/butter, and cookies over fresh fruits, vegetables, and lentils. This meant she wasn’t getting the essential nutrients her growing body needed. Protein, being one of the nutrients, is like the building block for everything in our body, including the brain! Research suggests that protein plays a crucial role in the growth of children. When kids don’t get enough protein, it not only affects their physical growth but can affect their focus, memory, and even mood.
Secondly, Sameera’s screen time was a bit out of control and it can disrupt sleep patterns and concentration.
So, what did we do to help Sameera?
We created a meal plan that included balanced macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein and micronutrients. Also added more protein-rich foods like fish, eggs, and beans to meet the daily protein requirements. We also talked about the importance of a healthy breakfast to kick-start her day. We talked about adding a nutrition drink like Complan to her daily glass of milk to make it tastier and for her to get essential nutrients.
Complan is scientifically designed with 34 essential nutrients including 100% milk protein, vitamins and minerals supporting overall growth and development. It also contains 63% more protein than other nutrition drinks. Complan is clinically proven to support 2x faster growth and also supports memory and concentration
Further, we asked Sameera’s parents to set screen time limits and establish a regular sleep schedule. Remember, a well-rested child is a focused child!
Within weeks, Sameera showed progress in physical energy and growth. She was more responsive in class, completing her assignments on time. Even her teachers commented on her progress.
Sameera’s story isn’t unique. Many parents do not know how important the role of right nutrition is in the overall growth and development of the child.
What does protein do in our body?
Protein makes enzymes needed for metabolic functions like digesting food, blood clotting, muscle contractions, etc. Hormones are a kind of proteins that are crucial to growth and repair and a healthy metabolism. Proteins like Keratin (found in hair and nails) and Collagen give shape, support and structure to our body. Proteins help in taking signals between the brain and the body. (source)
What are the signs that your child is not getting enough nutrition
Some of the following signs may point to severe malnutrition including protein deficiency. Please consult your pediatrician for future information
- Stunted growth
- Discoloured, dry brittle hair and skin
- Feeling less energetic or cranky
- Feeling hungry often
- Swelling of feet or belly
- Falling sick frequently
How to make sure that your child gets enough protein #63PercentMoreProtein
Ensure a diet balanced with proteins
An easy hack to a balanced diet is by following this rule when serving your child
- Half produce (fruits and veggies)
- One-quarter protein ( see below for good sources of protein)
- One-quarter of carbohydrates like rice, chapati, bread or pasta, etc
- A serving of dairy on the side (milk, curd, paneer, cheese, etc)
Some sources of high-quality proteins
- Eggs
- Fish
- Poultry
- Dairy products like yoghurt, milk or cheese
- Meat Beef or pork
- Soy products like tofu and edamame
Unfortunately, some foods are not well absorbed by the body or sometimes the child is allergic to certain foods or worse they are just picky about what they eat. If the child is open to drinking milk, you can add Complan to improve taste and nutrition. With 100% milk protein and #63PercentMoreProtein than other nutrition drinks, Complan can be a good choice.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. This is a part of the public awareness initiative supported by Complan.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan
That’s a good way of explaining the right food. It’s good Sameera’s parents found a good doc and you gave them a supplement like Complan to balance the nutrition.
Detailed post. Useful too
In my case the name Sameera can be replaced with my son’s name. Although he is much younger to Sameera and if his moods matches he will eat everything be it egg, fish, chicken, dal, sabzi, mil, fruits and many other. But there are certain time frame which comes after almost some 10 to 15 days gap when he likes to have nothing and that moments are my most traumatized moments. Health drinks recomemnded by Pediatrics I give and his advice is as he is too young such things are normal as change in tastebuds happen in this period. You Guide me Dr. Preeti how can I make things systemized for my 2 year.
i suggest you read this post https://www.sin-plypretty.com/health/5-tips-for-fussy-eaters/
You are an ideal doc I must say. Sameera’s parents were lucky as the way you planned her diet, she gets the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Complan makes up for the lack of protein in the diet.
Protein is so crucial for growing age. Complan surely adds these essential nutrients. My kiddo is a Complan girl too.
Doctors like you play such an important part in the lives of growing children like Sameera and even for their parents to provide guidance and relief when such things happen. Screen-time affects our moods and energy levels, so of course it would affect the children even more
You seem to be a kind, gentle doctor with oodles of common sense (lacking in many people). All your points are useful and easy to follow too.
There are many Sameeras in this world and the primary complaint of most parents of young kids is that they are fussy eaters. It’s a tough challenge for parents. I am glad her parents found you. So u are a Pediatrician Preeti? how nice🙂. When I was little, I was a bournvita girl. My neighbourhood friend used to have Complan. But I didn’t give any health drinks to my kids as I don’t want them to have that additional sugar. They already have one piece of chocolate/candy everyday. But touchwood they aren’t fussy eaters.
Finding the right nutrition and a balanced diet for kids today is quite a challenge and the next challenge is to get them to follow it. Your post is very informative. I’m now thinking of getting Complan. As a child I grew up drinking Complan daily and yet yet, today it is not a part of my household. 🙂
Children are usually picky eaters and we as parents need to make sure they are getting the nutrition. Compan is one of the best sources.
Children are usually picky eaters and we as parents need to make sure they are getting the nutrition. Complan is one of the best sources.
I may not be a parent, but I understand the importance of proper nutrition for growing kids, especially when it come to protein intake. It’s clear and very vital that a well-restedand well nourished child is more focused and energetic, which is crucial for their development. Thank you, Dr. Preeti Chauhan, for sharing this valuable information.
You are Godsend for Sameera’s parents. I see quite a few picky eaters around. As kids, we had a rule to have at least two pieces of the vegetable even if we didn’t like it. That and when we began growing our own veggies took care of our picky eating.
This is such a great way of making sure your child gets the right nutrition. I must say also that the discipline of parents is at most important as well. As usual, it’s easier to implement to others than yourself. This is one thing we always fail to be consistent with our girls. It was our diet that confuses theirs. We’re a work in progress though, which I think is important.
Fussy eaters are often malnourished and face issues like bad sleep and incomplete growth. With a good meal plan and a health drink like Complan it’s possible to reverse the harmful effects on health due to them.
We want our children to take a balanced diet, stay active and sleep for at least 7-8 hours a day. However the plan fails. Supplements like Complan help children grow by compensating for the lack of nutrients.
Finding the right nutrition and protein is very important, as they help grow the child. Your helpful post made it so easy to understand the importance of nutrition for a child’s growth and how we can educate ourselves to work on that too.
I like how straightforwardly you have broken this down and made recommendations. helpful article.
The importance of protein can’t be stressed enough… but tell me honestly, aren’t the high sugar levels of drinks like Complan counter-productive?
Yes that has been a concern with many such children’s nutrition drinks and I am glad that companies are now taking note of it.Sugar is not bad as long as the child or anyone consuming it takes it in moderation and is active. It is the overall calories and nutrition content like protein that is more important in a growing child.