As the country gears up to celebrate the fifth edition of Rastriya Poshan Maah 2022 (National Nutrition Month) in September, the focus is on promoting traditional foods as a key source of nutrition for children. In a recent interview with Dr Subodh Gupta and Dr Abhishek Raut, experts in community medicine, they emphasized the importance of traditional foods in a child’s diet.
Dr Gupta defines traditional foods as those that are grown in a particular geographical area and are easily accessible to the people living there. These foods, which may include cereals, pulses, and vegetables, provide a variety of nutrients essential for a child’s growth and development. Dr Raut highlights traditional food items like thali-peeth, fermented rice, idlis, dosas, and wadas that offer a balanced diet for both children and adults.
Despite the popularity of packaged food supplements, Dr Gupta argues that traditional foods have been successfully nourishing children for thousands of years. He believes that transitioning from mother’s milk to traditional solid foods is a natural and effective way to provide necessary nutrients to children. Additionally, Dr Raut points out that traditional foods can be preserved through methods like fermentation and pickling, offering long-term storage advantages similar to packaged supplements.
When it comes to dealing with picky eaters, Dr Gupta and Dr Raut suggest creating a visually appealing and interactive dining experience for children. By exposing children to a variety of traditional foods and allowing them to observe, experience, and participate in mealtime, parents can encourage healthy eating habits and combat fussy eating tendencies.
In remote villages, where access to food may be limited, traditional eating habits already ensure a well-balanced diet for many. While socio-economic factors may impact food choices, government schemes and awareness campaigns are working to promote nutritious traditional foods and empower parents to provide optimal nutrition for their children. Overall, the experts emphasize the importance of embracing traditional foods as a sustainable and culturally rich source of nutrition for all.