Tag: KIDS

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Food Lite Blogs Recipes

Baking Day for Kids and Couples Alike

Cookies with chocolate chip on parchment paper napkin on wooden table.

Kids with no playdates? Spend a day getting messy together in the kitchen baking peanut butter cookies and cake.  Couples can spend whip  up a storm and top it off with sinful alcohol infused dessert.
 
Cocoa Cellar is a patisserie based out of Mumbai delivers alcohol infused dessert. Their menu features options like Sacher Torte, Kahula & Coffee Macarons, Amarula & Dark chocolate cupcake and Whisky & Cashew Cookies. Devashree Muni, Owner, Cocoa Cellar who has trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney, Australia, has designed and created these goodies

Here are two recipes by  Cocoa Cellar in which you can choose to include or exclude the alcohol. Both versions taste equally great.


Madeira Cake

INGREDIENTS

Unsalted Butter         180 g

Castor Sugar            180 g

Orange Zest              1 no.

Lemon Zest               1 no.

Eggs                         165 g

Cake Flour                100 g

Corn Flour                100 g

Almond Meal              80 g

Baking Powder            5 g

Salt                           pinch

Lemon Juice             1 no.

Sour Cream               50 g

Orange Juice            1 no.

Citron                         50 g

 
METHOD

 Line a 1/2kg cake tin.

Cream the butter, sugar until light and aerated. Add the zest and eggs.

Sift all the dry ingredients.

Add lemon juice, orange juice and sour cream. Mix it well and whip.

Gently fold all the ingredients through the butter mix.

Bake at 180 °C for 30 minutes or until cooked.


Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie

INGREDIENTS

Flour                      315g

Baking Soda          1 tsp

Salt                     3/4 tsp

Butter                   225 g

Peanut Butter       370 g

Brown Sugar       160 g

Castor Sugar        160g

Eggs                      2 no.

Vanilla Extract       2 tsp

Chocolate Chips   320 g

METHOD

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy

Add vanilla extract and eggs and beat well

Sift the dry ingredients in a bowl and add it to the egg mix. Add the salt and mix.

Stir in the chocolate chips.

Refrigerate the dough.

Form dough balls with a spoonful of peanut butter in each ball in the centre

Bake at 180 °C for 12 minutes

ALSO READ-Recipe: Easter Simnel Cake

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Lite Blogs Parenting

Why Quality Time Matters Most in Parenting?

Establishing a structured daily routine at home fosters a disciplined lifestyle, yielding abundant fruits in life’s journey. Craft a flexible timetable for your children, incorporating dedicated slots for reading, writing, play, recreation, and daily tasks to instill a robust work ethic and moments of relaxation. …writes Niru Agarwal

In our rapidly advancing, materialistic society, the significance of good parenting often gets overshadowed. Prioritizing the essential aspects of a child’s upbringing is crucial for their overall development. There is no universal rule for prioritization, as it varies for each parent based on their child’s needs. With each new year, parents should stay attuned to evolving trends to ensure their children’s safety, security, and education. Recognizing children’s interests and establishing clear objectives are vital, as kids learn rapidly from the external world. Facilitating the setting of realistic, measurable goals for children enhances effectiveness in parenting. Here are five key priorities for parents to raise their children successfully.

Have a daily routine at home

Establishing a structured daily routine at home fosters a disciplined lifestyle, yielding abundant fruits in life’s journey. Craft a flexible timetable for your children, incorporating dedicated slots for reading, writing, play, recreation, and daily tasks to instill a robust work ethic and moments of relaxation. Encourage each activity with joy and satisfaction, cultivating a sense of responsibility in your kids. Prioritize their happiness and well-being by actively participating in their studies or arranging for a tutor. Regularly monitor their overall growth, engaging the learning process and ensuring their continued progress. This holistic approach contributes to fostering happy, healthy, and well-rounded individuals.

Spending quality time with your kids

The significance lies not only in spending time with your children but in effectively utilizing that time. Prioritize quality moments with your family by establishing goals for regular weekend family nights or monthly outings. Cultivate honesty in your interactions with your children, avoid superficial relationships, and strive to build a robust bond with them. Invest in meaningful experiences that deepen connections and create lasting memories. Dedicated focused and intentional time enhances the quality of your relationships and fostering a solid and genuine connection with your kids. In doing so, you contribute to the overall well-being and harmony within your family unit.

Freedom with Responsibility

Granting freedom to children is vital, but it must be accompanied by a sense of responsibility and defined boundaries. Stay adaptable and open to your children’s evolving world, understanding their needs. Instill a sense of responsibility and prioritize freedom with accountability in your kids. Be a positive role model at home, teaching them the true meaning of life through your actions. Correct their mistakes gently, steering them back on the right path. Encouraging them to participate in school extracurricular activities fosters growth and responsibility. Balancing freedom with guidance cultivates positive self-esteem in your child, laying the foundation for their development into responsible individuals.

Prioritize healthy lifestyle 

Guiding children towards making healthy life choices is paramount. As genuine mentors, parents are crucial in providing the right direction. Prioritizing both mental and physical well-being is essential. Instill the importance of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep habits through consistent bedtime routines. Actively identify and address your children’s feelings of worry, anxiety, sadness, or fear, offering gentle guidance. Practice empathy to connect with your children on an emotional level. By fostering a holistic approach to health, parents contribute significantly to the overall well-being of their children, equipping them with the tools to lead balanced and fulfilling lives.

Monitor digital absorption 

Children tend to absorb vast amounts of information swiftly, particularly in today’s tech-driven era. The universal use of mobile screens and immersion in the digital world, offering instant gratification through video games and social media, poses a risk to the balanced life cycle. While technology brings benefits, excessive usage can lead to imbalance. Many children develop social media addiction, which impacts them negatively. Parents must familiarize themselves with their children’s digital activities, designating screen-free times to foster a tech-free environment at home. Encourage offline hobbies, create a tech-free zone, and instruct children on safe online browsing practices to ensure a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

In conclusion, prioritizing essential habits at home is paramount. When parents prioritize the upbringing of their children, placing them at the forefront despite other commitments, a deep impact is possible in children’s holistic growth. This commitment fosters a strong parent-child bond, positioning parents as their kids’ best friends. By dedicating time and attention to fostering a nurturing environment, parents play a pivotal role in shaping a child’s character and ensuring a foundation for a promising and harmonious future.

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Lite Blogs Parenting

Safeguarding Kids with Safe Personal Care Products

The term “child-friendly” is not always synonymous with safety, therefore it can be deceptive. Animations and vibrant packaging are common strategies used by manufacturers to attract both parents and kids…reports Asian Lite News

Selecting the right personal care products for kids is an important aspect of parenting. With so much buzz around skincare and routine for kids parents are becoming more anxious in their selection process. Eventually the anxiety results in decisions that can negatively impact kids’ wellbeing.

Let’s explore some common mistakes parents make when purchasing personal care products for their children and how to avoid them with the expert help of Prasanna Vasanadu, Parent Educator and Founder of Tikitoro.

Ignoring Ingredient Labels:

Parents commonly make the mistake of not reading the ingredient labels on personal hygiene products. Harmful ingredients such as sulphates, parabens, and phthalates are often found in many products marketed to children. For instance, many shampoos contain sulphates, which can irritate skin, and parabens, which can disrupt the endocrine system. Parents must prioritize products with natural, hypoallergenic ingredients to avoid these problems. By taking this preventive measure, potentially hazardous chemicals are kept away from children’s sensitive skin.

Thinking ‘Child-Friendly’ Always Means Safe:

The term “child-friendly” is not always synonymous with safety, therefore it can be deceptive. Animations and vibrant packaging are common strategies used by manufacturers to attract both parents and kids. However, these promotional strategies might divert attention away from potentially harmful ingredients. Parents should carefully read product labels to ensure that the contents meet their safety standards, looking beyond the branding.

Falling for Marketing Gimmicks: 

When purchasing personal hygiene products for children, parents often fall prey to marketing tactics. It is important to prioritize ingredients over colourful child-attractive packaging. As responsible parents, it is important to choose products considering the ingredients used in the products. Focus on the actual benefits of the product rather than being influenced by catchy slogans. Spend some time to educate yourself about potential irritants and allergens. Parents may protect their children’s health and well-being by making educated decisions.

Ignoring Allergen Considerations: 

Every child is different, and so are their allergies and sensitivity levels. If product compositions are not checked for allergens, the child may experience adverse effects. To prevent unnecessary health issues, parents should carefully review ingredient lists, especially if their child has documented allergies.

Ignoring Environmental Impact: 

Parents unintentionally contribute to waste and pollution by neglecting to consider the environmental impact of the personal care products that they buy for their kids. Opting for recyclable packaging can help mitigate this issue. Seek accreditations such as “sustainable”, “cruelty-free” or  “recyclable” on the packaging of the product or check the Brand for sustainable processes. Parents may help future generations live sustainable lifestyles by ensuring that their children’s well-being aligns with a healthier world by making these wise choices.

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Education Lite Blogs

Gifts That Educate and Entertain

Even in a time when kids spend more time with their devices, DIY Kits remain incredibly popular. Offering kids the opportunity to explore new activities consistently sparks curiosity…reports Asian Lite News

Getting the perfect gift for anybody, especially for kids is an art. In an era where the digital space shapes their preferences, traditional gifts are completely out of the question. Gone are the days when kids would be excited with a model train set or a collection of their favourite books. Today, even kids want gifts that are well-suited to their individual needs and ones that fit well with their personalities.

To make this experience easier for you, here’s a list of the best birthday gifts to give kids this year that might help you out:

Bringing Learning to Life

Even in a time when kids spend more time with their devices, DIY Kits remain incredibly popular. Offering kids the opportunity to explore new activities consistently sparks curiosity. Additionally, tactile experiences play a crucial role in accelerating children’s understanding and learning of various concepts. Particularly beneficial for primary and middle school kids navigating the fundamentals of diverse subjects, these DIY Kits serve as a fantastic avenue to infuse enjoyment into their learning process.

Nurturing Young Chefs

If you know a budding chef, there’s nothing better than gifting them the tools of the trade. From colourful mixing bowls and kid-friendly knives to mini-sized measuring cups and silicone baking moulds, you’ll discover a diverse range of cooking and baking tools specifically designed to be both easy and safe for kids to use. These tools make the culinary journey exciting and accessible for young chefs and can turn any kitchen into a playground of creativity. Encourage their passion for gastronomy with these thoughtful and practical gifts.

A Bedtime Wonderland

Elevate any kid’s bedtime with my Trident Juniors Collection, a whimsical blend of dreams and warmth for your child’s sanctuary. The collection comes in a variety of themes from wildlife safaris to space exploration, ensuring a delightful option for every little dreamer. Crafted from the best materials, these vibrant bed sheets, themed pillowcases, and cosy comforters guarantee a night of unparalleled comfort.

A Flavour Bonanza

The best thing about birthdays is the gifts, but wouldn’t it be great if you could get a gift even if it wasn’t your special day? There are tons of snack hamper subscriptions that you can choose from. You can go for a full year’s subscription or even choose a shorter term. Many of these subscription services also let you customise your order. So if you want to be someone’s favourite aunt or uncle, then this is probably the best gift choice for you!

Curate Art Supplies Hamper

Craft a personalised art supplies box with markers, coloured pencils, paper, and various craft items. This considerate and budget-friendly present can be effortlessly curated from nearby art supply stores or discounted shops, encouraging a world of creativity and self-expression. Spark any kid’s artistic flair with this carefully curated gift, providing endless possibilities for imaginative creations.

ALSO READ-Indian Republic Day celebrations by IIW– Connecting British Indian Kids to their roots

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Food Lite Blogs

Why Walnuts Are a Must for Kids’ Diets?

Some nuts can cause allergies, but most nuts are safe for young children It’s best to be careful just in case, but generally these are a safe bet…writes Lothungbeni Humtsoe

Finding the right food for your kids can be tough sometimes. But what if there was a secret ingredient that’s yummy and super good for them.

Enter walnuts – these tiny, crunchy wonders aren’t just for grown-ups. According to dietician, Vidhi Chawla, founder of Fisico diet and Aesthetic Clinic, walnuts and kids form a dynamic duo, blending taste and nutrition seamlessly. She said, “These small, crunchy wonders aren’t just a treat for young taste buds; they’re a nutritional powerhouse for growing bodies and minds. Embracing walnuts as a regular part of your child’s diet isn’t just about adding a delightful crunch; it’s about nurturing their well-being in a delicious and accessible way.”

What makes walnuts special?

First of all, although walnuts are small, they are full of nutrients that will help your baby grow. They are full of omega-3s, protein and fiber; These are all good things that will keep kids smart, their minds strong, and their bellies happy.

Super Brain Power: Children’s brains are always working hard, right? Walnuts are rich in Omega-3 as a special fuel for dense cells. They help children think better and remember things better. So if you want your child to be successful in school, walnuts will do the trick!

Heart and strong bones: All parents want their children to be healthy and walnuts can help with this! They have good properties to make the heart strong and strong bones. Consider giving your child the secret weapon for a strong heart and strong bones; That’s what walnuts are for!

Make food fun: Sometimes getting kids to eat healthy food can seem like a simple task. But eating with walnuts turns into a fun adventure! Sprinkle them on cereal, stir them into yogurt, or add them to salads. Children love this crunchy treat and it is a healthy treat.

No need to worry about allergies: Some nuts can cause allergies, but most nuts are safe for young children It’s best to be careful just in case, but generally these are a safe bet.

Many benefits of walnuts: Walnuts are not only beneficial for body development; They can also help children be happy! There are vitamins that help children grow and make them happy.

Food magic: What is a boy? There are so many wonderful things you can do with walnuts in the kitchen! Bake with them, spread them on, or add them to snacks at home. There are so many ways to enjoy walnuts!

Health for a lifetime: Now when you give walnuts to your children, you show them how good the food is. This can help them make good food choices as they grow, meaning they will be healthier as they get older.

Walnuts might look small, but they’re full of big surprises! They’re like secret agents working to keep kids strong, smart, and happy. By adding walnuts to your kid’s meals, you’re giving them a super boost of healthiness without them even knowing it. So, next time you’re cooking or preparing snacks, remember the power of walnuts and let them be the kid-approved secret ingredient for a healthier, happier future!

Remember, always check with your child’s doctor if they have any allergies before introducing new foods. But if walnuts are safe for your little one, dive into the world of nutty goodness and let the healthy adventures begin!

ALSO READ-Recipe: Walnut Cookies

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-Top News PAKISTAN

Pakistan Sees Spike in Out-of-School Kids

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In comparison among the major provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fares better with a 30 per cent out-of-school rate…reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan is grappling with a crisis of out-of-school children, witnessing an alarming rise from 22.02 million to 26.21 million, The News International reported, citing a new report by Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE). The critical state of education accessibility in the country was highlighted in the preliminary teaser and detailed insights will be unveiled on Monday.

The PIE’s Pakistan Education Statistics Report 2021-22 made staggering revelations regarding the number of out-of-school children. As of 2021-22, there are 26.2 million out-of-school children across Pakistan, which raises concern. Notably, 39 per cent of children in the school-going age group are currently out of school, indicating a persistent challenge in ensuring universal education, according to The News International. Balochistan stands out with the highest percentage, where a staggering 65 per cent of children are out of school, while Islamabad Capital Territory reports the lowest percentage.

In comparison among the major provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa fares better with a 30 per cent out-of-school rate. Despite a decrease in the percentage of out-of-school children from 44 per cent in 2016-17 to 39 per cent in 2021-22, the absolute number has surged from 22.02 million to 26.21 million during the same period. This increase is primarily attributed to the population growth rate outpacing the decrease in out-of-school children.

The report further highlighted that at the higher secondary level, a disconcerting 60 per cent of children will be out of school in 2021-22. Further analysis revealed 44 per cent, 30 per cent, and 36 per cent out-of-school rates at high, middle, and primary levels respectively, as reported by The News International. Notably, a substantial portion of the out-of-school children, totalling 10.77 million, is at the primary level, emphasising the urgent need for targeted interventions. Economic disparities play a significant role in educational access, with children from the poorest quintile facing the highest disadvantage, evident across all education levels. (ANI)

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Lifestyle Lite Blogs

Essential Skin Care Lessons for Kids

Promote the use of gentle, kid-friendly shampoos and soaps, and discuss the advantages of using warm rather than hot water to keep skin hydrated…writes Prasanna Vasanadu

A lifetime of healthy skin can be ensured by establishing appropriate skin care practices in children at a young age. Skin care is an essential component of overall health. Teaching children about skin care practices fosters habits that support overall wellbeing, in addition to helping them retain healthy skin. We will go over five important skin care lessons to teach kids, so they have a strong basis for lifelong healthy behaviour.

Knowing the Role of Skin: First, tell them that the skin is the largest organ in the body and that it acts as a barrier to keep out bacteria and other dangerous substances. Discuss the many layers of the skin and its functions using the language that is best suited to communicate this information effectively to the kids. Talking about how the skin breathes and helps to regulate body temperature will pique attention. In order to hold their attention, use interactive activities or basic diagrams to make learning enjoyable.

Moisturising Skin to Promote Health: Instruct children on the importance of moisturising for preserving skin health. Describe how moisturisers reduce dryness and flakiness by keeping the skin moisturised. Furthermore, convey the notion that moisturising ought to be a pleasurable and entertaining aspect of their everyday regimen.

Educate children to choose moisturisers that are made “specially” for their delicate skin. Applying moisturiser to the skin evenly, paying special attention to the face, hands, elbows and knees. Particularly after taking a bath or cleaning their face, urge children to develop the practise. Don’t forget to talk about the importance of reading product labels  to avoid allergens and harmful chemicals which could lead to adverse effects on their gentle skin. 

Daily Hygiene Practice: Instill in children the value of maintaining good skin through everyday hygienic habits. Stress how important it is to take regular baths to rid the skin’s surface of debris, perspiration, and bacteria. Promote the use of gentle, kid-friendly shampoos and soaps, and discuss the advantages of using warm rather than hot water to keep skin hydrated.

Explain the idea of a daily skincare regimen, focusing on important steps like cleansing, moisturising, and using sunscreen. Teach kids that this discipline is as important as anything else to prevent their gentle skin from skin problems and preserving general health.

Sun Protection Habits: To avoid sun damage, tell them about sun protection habits at a young age. Describe how sunscreen protects their skin from damaging UV radiation. Instruct children on the significance of using sunscreen, even on overcast days, and to reapply it every few hours, especially when engaging in outdoor activities. Make up clever comparisons, such as sunscreen acting as a mystical shield against the sun’s rays during summers & winters.

A Holistic Approach to Developing Self-Care and Confidence: Also teach them how self-confidence and skincare are related to wrap up the skincare lesson. Emphasise that caring for their skin is an expression of loving and respecting themselves. It is important to promote a positive body image and inculcate the notion that each person is special and attractive in their own way. As parents we need to assist children comprehend that their self-confidence & experiencing their individualism lies majorly in their Holistic Skincare approach on a daily basis

Educating children about skin care requires combining practical exercises and information. Children can acquire a lifelong respect for skin care by giving them a basic awareness of the functions of their skin and the significance of cleanliness, sun protection, moisturising, and good behaviours.

By imparting a skincare discipline in children, a foundation is being laid for a lifetime of ‘healthy skin and a confident individual’. 

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Social Media Tech Lite Technology

‘Meta knowingly designed platforms to hook kids’

Others acknowledged Facebook and Instagram also were popular with children under age 13 who, per company policy, were not allowed to use the service…reports Asian Lite News

Facebook parent Meta Platforms deliberately engineered its social platforms to hook kids and knew — but never disclosed — it had received millions of complaints about underage users on Instagram but only disabled a fraction of those accounts, according to a newly unsealed legal complaint described in reports from The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

The complaint, originally made public in redacted form, was the opening salvo in a lawsuit filed in late October by the attorneys general of 33 states.

Company documents cited in the complaint described several Meta officials acknowledging the company designed its products to exploit shortcomings in youthful psychology such as impulsive behavior, susceptibility to peer pressure and the underestimation of risks, according to the reports.

Others acknowledged Facebook and Instagram also were popular with children under age 13 who, per company policy, were not allowed to use the service.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks during a news conference in New York, Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023. New York is bidding to put new controls on social media platforms that state leaders say will protect the mental health of younger users. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

‘Addictive’ social media feeds that keep children online targeted by New York lawmakers

Meta said in a statement to The Associated Press that the complaint misrepresents its work over the past decade to make the online experience safe for teens, noting it has “over 30 tools to support them and their parents.”

With respect to barring younger users from the service, Meta argued age verification is a “complex industry challenge.”

Instead, Meta said it favors shifting the burden of policing underage usage to app stores and parents, specifically by supporting federal legislation that would require app stores to obtain parental approval whenever youths under 16 download apps.

One Facebook safety executive alluded to the possibility that cracking down on younger users might hurt the company’s business in a 2019 email, according to the Journal report.

But a year later, the same executive expressed frustration that while Facebook readily studied the usage of underage users for business reasons, it didn’t show the same enthusiasm for ways to identify younger kids and remove them from its platforms, the Journal reported.

The complaint noted that at times Meta has a backlog of up to 2.5 million accounts of younger children awaiting action, according to the newspaper reports.

ALSO READ-Meta Spokesperson Wanted in Russia

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Food Lite Blogs Parenting

Risks of High Sugar Content in Kids’ Cereals

Artificial colors and flavors, commonly found in children’s cereals, have raised questions about their safety. Some studies hint at a potential connection between certain artificial colors and an increased risk of cancer…reports Asian Lite News

Morning rituals and healthy breakfasts together form a tradition we pass down to our kids. But here is the twist: those seemingly virtuous cereals might contain ingredients with damaging effects that you might not be aware of. Could your child’s apparent healthy morning bowl be hiding cancer-causing ingredients?

Read ahead to know more as Nupuur Patil, a nutritionist and fitness expert breaks down cereal Ingredients, which is a common breakfast in many households. 

Acrylamide: A Hidden Threat

Acrylamide, a potentially carcinogenic (cancer-causing) compound, is formed during the cooking process of certain foods, especially those high in starch, like cereals. Acrylamide is classified as a Group 2A carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), indicating its potential carcinogenicity to humans. This underscores the importance of understanding how our food is processed and choosing products that minimize exposure to such compounds.

The Sugar Dilemma: A Sweet Conundrum

One of the primary concerns associated with kids’ cereals is the high level of added sugars. Studies suggest a possible link between excessive sugar consumption and an elevated risk of certain cancers. Refined sugars contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance, creating an environment conducive to cancer cell development. Parents are, therefore, urged to be vigilant about sugar content, opting for cereals with minimal added sugars or, better yet, exploring natural sweeteners.

Artificial Colors and Flavors: A Potential Culprit

Artificial colors and flavors, commonly found in children’s cereals, have raised questions about their safety. Some studies hint at a potential connection between certain artificial colors and an increased risk of cancer. Commonly used synthetic food colorants (SFCs), such as Red 40 and Yellow 5, are under scrutiny. Choosing cereals with natural ingredients and fewer artificial additives can be a step towards reducing potential health risks.

Empowering Parents: Making Informed Choices

While the link between kids’ cereals and cancer is not conclusively proven, parents can empower themselves by making informed choices. Opting for cereals with minimal added sugars, natural ingredients, and no artificial additives, as well as being mindful of GMOs and pesticides, can contribute to a healthier diet for children.

As parents, our choices play a pivotal role in shaping our children’s health. By staying informed and making conscious decisions about the cereals we provide, we can contribute to a healthier future for our kids. Prioritizing whole, nutrient-rich foods and minimizing exposure to potential carcinogens is a significant step towards fostering well-being and safeguarding our children’s health.

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Lite Blogs

Unravelling the Causes and Consequences of Childhood Obesity

Encouraging kids to eat mindfully and with balance requires deliberate methods. Emphasize a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while restricting processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive saturated/trans fat…Dr. Meghna Chawla speaks with N. Lothungbeni Humtsoe

In today’s sedentary environment, childhood obesity and the health problems it causes, such as type 2 diabetes, have gained major attention. Long stretches of inactivity and unhealthy eating habits are the main causes of this worrying trend.

The connection between a sedentary lifestyle and childhood obesity, the adverse effects of sitting too much, ways to promote balanced nutrition in kids, early signs of type 2 diabetes, and the critical medical emergency known as diabetic ketoacidosis. To address the increasing health issues that children are facing, it is imperative to comprehend these facets. Let’s explore the intricacies of this issue with Dr. Meghna Chawla, a Paediatric Endocrinologist Consultant at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune.

What is childhood obesity? And how severe is this condition?

Dr. Chawla: Childhood obesity is identified when a child’s body mass index (BMI) exceeds the expected range for their age and gender, leading to the accumulation of excess body fat and a range of health complications. Studies suggest that overweight children are more likely to carry this condition into adulthood, elevating their susceptibility to chronic ailments like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers. Additionally, the psychological impact, such as low self-esteem and depression, can persist into adulthood.

How does a sedentary lifestyle contribute to childhood obesity?

Dr. Chawla: A sedentary lifestyle, characterized by prolonged periods of sitting and minimal physical activity, significantly contributes to childhood obesity. This lack of physical activity disrupts the balance between calorie intake and expenditure. Moreover, sedentary habits often involve excessive screen time, exposing children to unhealthy food advertisements and fostering unhealthy snacking patterns.

What are the effects of prolonged sitting and lack of physical activity on kids?

Dr. Chawla: Prolonged sitting and insufficient physical activity in children have multifaceted effects on their well-being. This sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity, as it disrupts the balance between calorie intake and expenditure. Beyond weight-related issues, it compromises bone health, diminishes cardiovascular fitness, and weakens muscles Sedentary habits are also associated with academic and cognitive difficulties, which have a detrimental effect on development overall. Furthermore, children who watch a lot of screens during idle hours are exposed to marketing for unhealthy foods, which influences their eating patterns.

How can we promote balanced nutrition and mindful eating in kids?

Dr. Chawla: Encouraging kids to eat mindfully and with balance requires deliberate methods. Emphasize a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while restricting processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive saturated/trans fats. Reinforce regular meal intervals, discourage distractions during meals, and instill the value of portion management. 

What kinds of illnesses will result from childhood obesity?

Dr. Chawla: Childhood obesity significantly increases the risk of various health conditions. Obese Kids are more likely to experience respiratory issues, cardiovascular illness, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension. These conditions not only impact their physical health but also diminish their overall quality of life. Additionally, overweight children are more likely to carry obesity into adulthood, further elevating their susceptibility to chronic ailments such as certain cancers.

What are the early signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children?

Dr. Chawla:

Frequent urination: Elevated glucose levels prompt increased urine production.

Excessive thirst: Fluid loss from frequent urination leads to heightened thirst.

Unexplained weight loss: Despite normal or increased food intake, children may experience weight loss due to glucose regulation issues.

Fatigue: Low blood sugar levels and glucose regulation difficulties can result in fatigue.

Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the eyes, causing blurred vision.

What is diabetic ketoacidosis, and why is it a medical emergency?

Dr. Chawla: Diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe diabetes complication marked by high blood sugar levels, dehydration, and ketones in the blood. In children with type 2 diabetes, DKA can occur if the condition is left untreated, requiring immediate intervention to prevent life-threatening complications such as organ failure

High blood sugar levels: Ketones are produced as an alternative energy source, leading to elevated blood sugar.

Nausea and vomiting: Ketone buildup can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Rapid breathing: The body attempts to eliminate ketones through rapid breathing, resulting in a fruity odor on the breath.

Confusion and drowsiness: Severe DKA can lead to confusion, drowsiness, and even coma.

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