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Natural Probiotics For Children
Categories Everything

The Best Natural Probiotics For Children

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Probiotics are living microorganisms that when ingested have beneficial effects, especially on our gut flora. the added benefit of including these in your child’s diet is that they are also good sources of vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

Probiotics are normally found in any fermented foods. Usually we need to add certain bacterial cultures to ferment these foods, and these bacterial cultures are beneficial. Remember that these bacteria are sensitive to heat. therefore if you heat any of the following foods, you will lose the probiotic effect of them.

Sources of natural probiotics:

  1. Yogurt: always try to make yogurt at home. The cultures that are used for setting yogurt commercially, generally are different and do not provide any probiotic benefits. You can add yogurt to your child’s smoothies, use as a dip, make popsicles, etc. Remember that frozen yogurt does not have any probiotic effect.

Other good probiotics made from dairy include sour cream, buttermilk, aged or mature cheese.

  1. Tempeh: made from fermented soybeans, it has gained a lot of popularity recently. Some people and children have difficulty in developing a taste for it, but you can make it flavoursome by doing the following: Steam the blocks after chopping it in chunks. You can then marinate them in your own special mix and grill them, or add them in pasta sauce, peas, pulao, casseroles, etc.
  2. Miso: wildly used in Japan in many dishes, it is now finding use in other parts of the world. Use it to add a umami flavour to your soups, curries, dips, etc.
  3. Kefir: it is a fermented drink made from milk. A combination of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts is used for making kefir. There are many flavoured kefir drinks that are now available, but as they contain added sugar, it is better to make it at home or stick to the plain variety. you can easily find the starter culture online to make it yourself at home.
  4. Sauerkraut, kimchi: made from cabbage and some other vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, etc, they can be used in many ways:
    • add to sandwiches, salads, etc.
    • the juice from this can be added to soups and salad dressings
    • add to fruit cups for added sourness and crunch

To know more or if you need further help get in touch with me, Kanupriya Khanna, one of the best Dietitian and Nutritionist in Delhi.

Nutritionist in Delhi
Categories Everything

7 Foods Toddlers Should Not Eat

Categories Everything Tags , , , , Author kanupriya123 Posted on

According to the Oxford dictionary, a toddler is defined as a young child who is just beginning to walk. babies who are 12-36 months old fall in this category. As a guideline, children in this age usually should be given 3 meals, 2-3 snacks and adequate amounts of water.

There are certain foods that should not be given to toddlers too. In this blog we will look at 7 such foods:

  1. Foods high in salt

Too much sodium is harmful for babies’ kidneys. But it is important to remember that sodium is not just present in salt, but there are many hidden sources of unnecessary sodium that you should keep in mind. Some of them are:

  • bacon
  • chips
  • packaged meals
  • pickles and chutneys
  • crackers
  • baked goods
  • processed meats like sausages
  1. Frozen ready to eat foods

More often than not, frozen foods contain high amounts of sodium. So even though they are easy and convenient, remember that they are not healthy for your toddlers and should be avoided.

  1. Sugar

Sugar in a toddlers diet is completely unnecessary. It does not provide any nutrition and is a leading cause of tooth decay, obesity and other lifestyle disorders. You must also keep in mind hidden sources of sugar like:

  • readymade sauces and dressings
  • curry pastes
  • packaged foods
  • jams and preserves
  • baked goods
  • flavoured yogurts
  • juices
  1. Whole nuts and peanuts

Young children should not be given whole nuts and peanuts simply because they pose a choking hazard. You can give these in powder form, crushed or butter form from 6 months onwards. in case of any family history of an allergy from nuts and peanuts, please consult your physician or dietitian before introducing these.

  1. Raw or lightly cooked eggs

Well cooked eggs can be given to babies from 6 months onwards. make sure that both the white and the yolk are cooked enough so they become solid. Uncooked or runny eggs are the major cause of food borne illness due to Salmonella. Eggs are also a common allergy causing foods so introduce in small quantities and watch out for any allergy type symptom.

  1. Some types of cheeses

Cheese can be introduced at 6 months as they are a good source of protein, calcium and vitamins. But there are a few precautions you need to take:

  • the cheese should be pasteurised full fat cheese like mild cheddar, cottage cheese, cream cheese
  • soft cheeses that use a mould for ageing like brie, camembert, etc should be avoided
  • ripened goat’s milk chases and blue-veined cheeses that are not pasteurised should also be avoided as they may contain listeria, a type of pathogen. eg. Roquefort
  1. Raw shellfish, high mercury fish

Raw shellfish like oysters, clams, mussels, can cause food poisoning and so should be avoided. Fish like marlin, swordfish and shark can sometimes have high mercury content that can interfere with a baby’s nervous system development, thus should be avoided.

To know more or if you need further help get in touch with me, Kanupriya Khanna, one of the best Dietitian and Nutritionist in Delhi.

best Dietitians and Nutritionists in Delhi
Categories Children Diet

6 Mistakes While Packing Lunchboxes For Children

Categories Children Diet Tags , , , , Author kanupriya123 Posted on

With the summer vacations almost over and schools reopening, lunchboxes gain importance in every house with a school going child. All of us as parents want to see empty lunchboxes when our children come back from school. Planning and preparing them is a huge task every morning. Lunchboxes are very important in meeting a child’s nutritional needs as almost 30% of a child’s daily food intake, is in school.

Here are 6 things you should not do when it comes to packing a meal for your child’s school tiffin:

 

  1. Packing new or unfamiliar food:

The most important rule is to never pack something that your child has not eaten before. A child can feel hesitant and unsure when he/she encounters the food and can leave it untouched.

Anything new you want to try should be done at home in a comforting environment.

  1. Not putting fruits or vegetables:

This is especially true of parents of fussy eaters. In the hope that their child will eat, and not bring back food, you skip putting it in the lunchbox. But these are two reasons why adding fruits and vegetables is important:

  1. The lunchbox makes up a large chunk of your child’s nutritional needs of the day.
  2. Constant exposure to fruits and vegetables helps in encouraging them to eat these at some point.
  1. Keeping it the same:

You keep giving the same few foods to your child because you know that he/she likes it and will eat it. but, again just as previously mentioned, it is important to give a variety to encourage them to start eating a larger variety of foods.

  1. Not adding protein:

Proteins are an important component of a daily diet. They are after all called as the building blocks of the body for a reason. It may seem difficult to include this in a lunchbox, especially if you are a vegan. But its not really at all. Add some nut butter, tofu, seed butter in a preparation; and lo and behold, protein is now added.

  1. Giving too much carbohydrate:

The easiest thing to give in a lunchbox id a crbohydrate meal. Simply because these are the things that most children will eat happily. For e.g: white bread sandwich, pasta, chips, biscuits, etc. But remember that these do not provide enough nutrition, can contain too much sugar, and will leave your child feeling hungry very soon.

  1. Packing too much:

An important thing to remember when packing a lunchbox is the amount of time a child gets during recess to eat the food. If you pack too much food, there is a strong likelihood of it coming back uneaten or half eaten, simply because there was not enough time to finish. Sometimes seeing too much food can be scary to a young child and he/she can get overwhelmed.

I hope the above helps you in packing a good lunchbox for your child. If you need some recipe ideas for the lunchboxes, check out my website www.kanupriyakhanna.in under the blog section.

To know more or if you need further help with recipe suggestions, etc., get in touch with me, Kanupriya Khanna, one of the best Dietitians and Nutritionists in Delhi.

Healthy-eating-with-a-busy-schedule
Categories Everything

Healthy Eating With a Busy Schedule | Dr. Kanupriya Khanna

Categories Everything Tags , , , , , Author kanupriya123 Posted on

Healthy eating is essential for a healthy and active lifestyle, but it can be a challenge when you have a busy schedule. With work, family, and other commitments, it can be difficult to find the time to prepare nutritious meals.

Tips to make healthy eating a part of your life

•Plan ahead – One of the keys to success when it comes to eating healthy with a busy schedule is planning ahead. Make a meal plan for the week, and do your grocery shopping accordingly. Having a plan in place will help you to avoid the temptation of ordering take-out or grabbing unhealthy snacks when you’re short on time.

•Meal prep – Try preparing individual ingredients rather than completely assembled meals to maintain some variation in your meal preparation strategy. In this manner, you can combine them in various ways and maintain a sense of freshness throughout the week.

•Healthy snacks in hand – Having healthy snacks readily available can help you to avoid the temptation of junk food when you’re on the go. Keep a stock of fruit, nuts, and other healthy snacks in your office, car, or bag to munch on when you’re feeling hangry.

•Use of leftovers – When you’re pressed for time, having frozen or canned options on hand might be a lifesaver. These choices are just as nourishing and have the advantage of being less expensive and perishable.

•Time management – Make a note in your calendar or planner. Include time slots to remind yourself to have a snack or a meal if you are the type of person who loves to schedule everything on your agenda.

 

This reminder will make it easier for you to remember to eat even when you are rushing about or doing homework. After many hours of arduous work, taking a snack break will also assist you to relax and take a break.

•Use a slow cooker – Another useful appliance for those who are busy is a slow cooker. It allows you to start cooking dinner in the morning and having it ready when you get home from work because it keeps your food warm for hours (or more) after it has finished cooking. That saves so much time!

•Keep it simple – Maintain a simple, easy approach to meals, using the balanced plate concept as a nice overall dietary guideline. Aim to include portions of each food type at main meals that are roughly the size of a palm for protein-rich foods, a fist or less for starchy carbs, a few handfuls of vegetables, and a thumb for fat-rich foods. Meals may be less satisfying and nutritionally diverse if one or more of these ingredients are missing.

•Healthier choices in restaurants – Whenever you don’t have enough time to prepare a meal at home, you might be tempted to dine out. Make sure to finding and order a healthier option at the restaurant. It is simpler than you might imagine. Pick dishes that are mostly composed of veggies, healthful grains, and lean protein.

 

To make a balanced meal, think about including a variety of side dishes. Pay attention to the offered portion sizes as well. You shouldn’t feel pressured to consume the entire amount on the plate because quantities at restaurants are frequently too large for one person to consume. Consider sharing a meal with a friend, requesting a reduced serving, or putting half of the plate in a to-go box for later to prevent overeating.

•One pot wonders – Try making a one-pot dinner instead of using multiple bowls, pots, and utensils to create a meal! This simple meal method eliminates the need to plan what sides to prepare in addition to your main course because your single dish will have grains, vegetables, and protein. The oven or stove can do the majority of the job with quick prep, and cleanup is simple.

•Pack lunch – Packing your lunch is an excellent way to control what you eat, and it can save you a lot of money compared to eating out. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, veggies, and lean protein in your lunch, and try to steer clear of processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat snacks.

•Be flexible – Always be flexible when it comes to eating properly. Do not punish yourself if you err and choose a bad course of action. Just resume your food plan again.

Eating healthy with a busy schedule takes a little bit of planning and preparation, but it’s well worth the effort. By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re fueling your body with the nutrients it needs, even when you’re short on time.

Connect with Kanupriya Khanna who has been working in this field since 2003. She is regarded as one of the best dietitians in Delhi because of her unwavering commitment to making a difference in people’s lives by instilling good eating habits and lifestyles.

plant-based-diets
Categories Other nutrition blog

Nutritional Adequacy of Plant Based Diets – Dr. Kanupriya Khanna

Categories Other nutrition blog Tags , , , , , , , , , , Author kanupriya123 Posted on

You must have heard a lot about veganism these days. Many people wonder if plant based diets are nutritionally adequate for them. Truth is that the nutrients present in plants, such as vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, antioxidants, etc., help in keeping you healthy.

But before going further, let’s understand a few things about a plant-based diet.

 

What is a plant based diets?

These diets emphasise on fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and beans while eliminating animal products such as meats, dairy, honey and eggs, and all foods that are derived from an animal source.

A plant-based diet is not only a preferred way to promote good health while staying fit and nourished, it is also a healthier way to lose weight. As plants contain necessary nutrients that animal products do not, it boosts your immune system.

 

Knowing what nutrients to be aware of and how to incorporate them into your diet is a crucial component of a well-planned plant based diets.

•Protein – Most vegans consume enough protein to satisfy or even surpass their needs. To achieve your protein requirements, concentrate on including protein-rich foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy in your meals and snacks throughout the day.

•Calcium – There are many plant-based sources of calcium, including kale, broccoli, black beans, almonds, nut and seed butters. Calcium is added to some fortified foods during manufacturing, such as non-dairy milk, orange juice, and some breakfast cereals.

•Iron – This necessary ingredient is important for a variety of bodily processes, including the transportation of oxygen by red blood cells. Iron is found in many plant based such as dates, dried figs, prunes, dark green leafy vegetables, jaggery, beans, finger millet, etc.

•B12 – Plant foods typically do not contain this vitamin. Vegans must add items enriched with vitamin B-12 to their diets or consult their doctor about taking a supplement. Foods like nutritional yeast, morning cereals, meat substitutes, and non-dairy milk are among those enriched with vitamin B-12. To ensure the product is fortified, make sure to check the label!

•Omega 3 – Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to be vital since your body cannot produce them; therefore, you must obtain them from foods such as flaxseeds, walnuts and other nuts and seeds.

•Fibre – Plant based diets high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes are much more likely to easily provide the quantity and kind of fibre required by your body to maintain a healthy digestive system.

 

What are the health benefits of plant based diets?

1. It lowers your blood pressure –

Hypertension can make people more susceptible to health problems like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Fortunately, what you eat can influence your health. Following a plant-based diet helps lower blood pressure, which lowers your risk of developing these illnesses.

2. Weight loss –

When you go from a diet high in meat to one high in plant-based foods, your risk of obesity declines. In conclusion, even though losing weight isn’t always the main goal, plant eaters typically weigh less.

3. Plant based diets prevent cancer –

Eating a diet high in vegetables, fruit, grains, beans, nuts and seeds is the greatest method to obtain nutrients that protect against cancer, including fibre, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals.

4. It reduces cholesterol –

Fatty deposits in the blood caused by high cholesterol can limit blood flow and could result in heart attack, stroke, or heart disease. However, a balanced diet can support maintaining good cholesterol levels. In particular, switching to a diet high in plants instead of animal products can reduce LDL cholesterol by 10 and 15%.

5. It makes your brain strong –

Polyphenols are abundant in fruits and vegetables (aka, the cornerstones of a plant-based diet). They may help reverse cognitive decline and halt the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

 

How following a plant-based diet can benefit the environment?

The carbon emissions produced by the meat and dairy industries can be considerably reduced and offset by choosing to adopt a plant-based diet.

Additionally, compared to the meat and dairy industries, the plant business uses less water. To make one pound of tofu, only 302 litres of water are needed as opposed to 3505 litres of water to produce one pound of mutton. Untouched environments can be protected, and less water pollution and use would result from eating plant-based foods.

It was discovered that plant-based diets may increase the world food supply by up to 49% without extending croplands. This method of eating would also help to dramatically lower methane emissions by reducing cattle in the meat and dairy industries.

Overall, eating a plant-based diet is excellent for the Earth as well as for you. If you want to experiment with a plant-based diet, connect with Kanupriya who has been working in this field since 2003. She is regarded as one of the best dietitians in Delhi because of her unwavering commitment to making a difference in people’s lives by instilling good eating habits and lifestyles.

type-1-diabetes
Categories Children Diet

Healthy Eating Habits in Children with type 1 Diabetes | Dr Kanupriya Khanna

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What is type 1 diabetes?

In type 1 diabetes your pancreas does not produce insulin, a hormone necessary for your body to utilise glucose (sugar) as an energy source. This results in your blood sugar levels to rise and you need to take external insulin to bring the sugar levels within normal limit.

How do foods affect blood sugar?

Some foods immediately raise your child’s blood sugar levels. Other foods may indirectly impact levels. You can assist your child in maintaining appropriate blood sugar level by understanding how different foods influence it.

The following foods have a direct effect on blood sugar:

•Fruits

•Refined Grains such as pasta, rice, and bread

•Several dairy items, such as milk and yoghurt

•Starchy vegetables like Potatoes and maize

•Sweet treats like candies or cakes

Things to keep in mind!

 

•AVOID sugary beverages. There are numerous sparkling glasses of water on the market with little added sugar or carbs. Additionally, experiment with adding fresh fruit and herbs to your water to enhance flavour without adding extra sugar or calories. You should not use artificial sweeteners, sugar-free lemonades, or caffeinated drinks as your main source of hydration.

•Do not allow your youngster to miss meals since this may lead to overeating at the following meal. Even if they are attempting to reduce weight, they ought to merely scale back on portion sizes.

•Increasing daily fibre intake will improve overall blood sugar control and have several other health advantages.

•At every meal, choose a nutritious carbohydrate and attempt to combine it with protein. Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, oatmeal, and millets are a few examples of healthy carbohydrates.

Guidelines for children with type 1 diabetes

•Carbs – Given that they are the body’s main source of energy, carbohydrates are crucial to a healthy diet for kids with Type 1 diabetes. To help maintain stable blood sugar levels, it’s crucial to choose carbs that are nutrient-dense and have a low glycemic index (GI).

•Protein – The majority of your body’s tissues and organs are built, repaired, and maintained by protein. Additionally required for the operation of the immune system, proteins also support a number of other physiological activities.

•Fats – They keep you active and aid in the body’s assimilation of specific vitamins and minerals. But it’s crucial to select healthy fats and pay attention to portion quantities.

•Fibre – It supports a sense of fullness, aids with digestion, and lowers blood sugar levels. Children with Type 1 diabetes can also maintain a healthy weight by incorporating healthy eating habits.

•Hydration – Maintaining appropriate hydration can keep the body operating normally, aid to control blood sugar levels, and prevent consequences from dehydration.

 

A meal plan that incorporates the ideal ratio of fibre and carbohydrates to fulfill your child’s needs can be made with the assistance of a trained dietitian. Connect with Kanupriya Khanna who has been working in this field since 2003. She is regarded as one of the best dietitians in Delhi because of her unwavering commitment to making a difference in people’s lives by instilling good eating habits and lifestyles.

homemade-porridge
Categories Children Diet

Homemade Porridge – Dr Kanupriya Khanna

Categories Children Diet Tags , , Author kanupriya123 Posted on

What is homemade porridge ?

Homemade Porridge – Porridge has been the main food for infants who are starting solids. It is available in a variety of flavours commercially under different brand names. But many mothers are unaware that it’s simple to prepare this quick, wholesome, and easy-to-feed food at home.

Benefits of homemade porridge

The goodness of several minerals that are crucial to your baby’s growth and development are present in this, and it is also packed with a lot of health benefits.

•Ragi: Rai/millet is high in both protein and carbohydrates. Through this, your baby also gets thiamine, iron, and calcium.

•Bajra: This food has a high energy quotient and is high in calcium and fibre. The grain is very helpful in preventing constipation.

•Wheat: Due to its abundance in nutrients like Vitamin B, manganese, potassium, calcium, zinc, and fibre, wheat is the main ingredient in Indian cuisine.

•Rice comes in a variety of colours, each with a distinct flavour and goodness. Unlike its white counterpart, brown rice keeps the bran and germ layers, which preserves the nutrients and minerals. Additionally, it contains a lot of fibre, antioxidants, selenium, and manganese.

•Green gramme: Green gramme is an excellent source of lean vegetarian protein that also strengthens the immune system. It contains iron, magnesium, vitamins A, B, C, and E.

•Dals: Rich in iron, protein, zinc, folate, and manganese, dals help prevent anaemia, boost immunity, and support healthy body and brain function.

Here are a few homemade porridge recipes for babies:

•Porridge made from Poha

  1. Choose the thick poha and thoroughly clean it.
  2. Dry roast it, then allow it to cool.
  3. Blend thoroughly in the mixer.
  4. Cook the powder in water till it thickens.
  5. Add breast milk and mashed fruit to this and combine well and serve!

•Porridge made of dry fruits

  1. Take some ragi flour and cook in water till it thickens
  2. Grind the almonds, pistachio, and walnuts separately. Combine all of these, store in an airtight container.
  3. mix the dry fruit powder with the cooked rahi porridge and breast milk before serving. You can add some date paste for sweetness.

•Porridge made of pulses

  1. Make sure to thoroughly wash the rice. Roast the rice in a kadai.
  2. Each dal like moong dhuli, masur split should be thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.
  3. For two to three days, dry them in the sun.
  4. Without adding additional oil, roast each sun-dried ingredient separately. The dals must all be dry-roasted until they turn golden. Ensure that they are crisp. The rice should be lightly puffed after roasting. Now pulverise them into a fine powder in the mixer.
  5. The ingredients should be kept in an airtight container.
  6. Take a tablespoon of the mix and cook in water until it thickens to the right consistency. Add some cardamom or cinnamon powder for flavour. You can add some breast milk to this before feeding your baby.

 

If you need to know more about such recipes, connect with Kanupriya Khanna who has been working in this field since 2003. She is regarded as one of the best dietitians in Delhi because of her unwavering commitment to making a difference in people’s lives by instilling good eating habits.

sattvic-diet
Categories Everything, Other nutrition blog

Sattvic Diet – Dr Kanupriya Khanna

Categories Everything, Other nutrition blog Tags , , , Author kanupriya123 Posted on

What is a sattvic diet?

Sattvic Diet – Satvik comes from the Sanskrit word “Sattva” which means pure, clean and strong energy. According to Bhagavad Gita, the food that an individual eats directly influences their thoughts, character, mental well-being and health. A Satvik food purifies the mind, removes toxins from our body, thus cleansing both the body and mind.

Fresh fruits, vegetables, sprouts, honey, ghee, nuts, grains, legumes, jaggery, unrefined sugar, turmeric, black pepper, dhania, fresh herbs, milk, and dairy products are all part of the sattvic diet. Food that is satvik calms a person down and strengthens their immune system.

Kanupriya Khanna – Best Dietician & Nutritionist 

What are the benefits of a sattvic diet?

A Sattvic diet has many advantages, including weight loss, improved digestion, and reduced brain fog.

•Heart illness – A vegetarian or vegan diet reduces the risk of dying from ischemic heart disease by 30% compared to a meat-eating diet. Diets based on plants are higher in fibre and lower in saturated fat.

•Cancer – Your risk of developing cancer is also decreased by a sattvic diet high in whole plant foods. Phytochemicals, which are abundant in fruits and vegetables, may help fight cancer. High-fibre diets can also assist you in maintaining a healthy weight, which can reduce your risk of developing certain cancers.

•Diabetes type 2 – You can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by eating a plant-based diet and maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, studies show that vegetarians are less likely than meat eaters of the same weight to develop type 2 diabetes.

•Stroke – Your risk of stroke can be decreased by eating a plant-based diet. In this context, a healthy diet means including plenty of leafy greens, beans, and whole grains while limiting the amount of sugar, refined grains, and potatoes.

•Better immunity – The primary focus of sattvic diets is on fruits and vegetables, which are the primary sources of nutrients for all life forms. Sattvic food, which gives the body all the necessary macronutrients, micronutrients, fibres, antioxidants, etc., takes care of all the little details our body needs to defend itself against illnesses, giving it innate immunity.

•Detox – The word “detox” is frequently misused today. The sattvic diet encourages a healthy detox while simultaneously nourishing the body. Your body won’t be able to absorb all the nutrition you give it until all the waste is removed.

What foods can you eat?

•Grains – barley, amaranth, bulgur, barley, millet, quinoa, wild rice, etc.

•Leafy Veggies – spinach, carrots, celery, potatoes, broccoli, kelp, lettuce, peas, cauliflower, etc.

•Fruits – apples, bananas, papaya, mangos, cherries, melons, peaches, guava, fresh fruit juices, etc.

•Nuts – walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, unsweetened coconut, flaxseed, etc.

•Dairy – high quality milk, yogurt, and cheese, such as pasture-raised products; almond milk; coconut milk; cashew milk; nut- and seed-based cheese.

•Oils – olive oil, sesame oil, red palm oil, flax oil, ghee, etc.

•Spices – coriander, basil, nutmeg, cumin, fenugreek, turmeric, ginger, etc.

•Sweeteners – honey and raw cane sugar or jaggery

•Pulses – Various kinds of pulses like moong dal, green gram etc.

If you wish to make a Sattvic diet food chart, connect with Kanupriya Khanna who has been working in this field since 2003. She is regarded as one of the best dietitians in Delhi because of her unwavering commitment to making a difference in people’s lives by instilling good eating habits and lifestyles.

Categories Diet During Pregnancy, Nutrition Blogs

Diet to prevent pre-eclampsia during pregnancy?

Categories Diet During Pregnancy, Nutrition Blogs Tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Author kanupriya123 Posted on

Diet to prevent pre-eclampsia during pregnancy?

Preeclampsia is a disorder that affects women during pregnancy and increases maternal and child mortality and morbidity. During pregnancy, it is identified by sudden increase in blood pressure and proteinuria (presence of protein in urine). High blood pressure is a potentially severe complication of pregnancy.

Pre-eclampsia commonly develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy in a woman who previously had normal blood pressure. Other than high blood pressure and protein in the urine; swelling in the legs and water retention may also be present. But swollen ankles and water retention can also be present in a normal pregnancy and so can be confusing.

One in every ten pregnancies is affected by high blood pressure, generally known as hypertension. During pregnancy, hypertension can manifest in a variety of ways. Pre-existing high blood pressure, hypertension that develops during pregnancy (gestational hypertension), and pre-eclampsia, which affects 2-8 out of every 100 women and begins at 20 weeks of pregnancy, are the most prevalent.

A team of researchers conducted a study of pregnant women’s food habits and their related risks of high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. They found that:

• Instead of high-fat, high-calorie items, eat at least five portions of fruits and vegetables every day.

• Potatoes are not included in the five-a-day goal.

• Choose wholegrain over refined grains or starchy foods.

• Stick to a low-fat diet and gain weight at a healthy rate

• Consume fiber-rich foods like oats, beans, lentils, grains, and seeds.

• Avoid drinks with added sugars and other foods with a high sugar content, such as candies, cakes, and biscuits.

• Fish is a safe option during pregnancy in general, however the recommendation is to eat no more than two portions of oily fish each week, such as mackerel or salmon. This is because a chemical contained in oily fish (mercury) in excess can impair the development of an unborn baby.

Kanupriya Khanna, a Senior Consultant Nutritionist & Dietitian with over 18 years of experience in antenatal nutrition, can provide expert advice. She is regarded as one of the best dietitians in Delhi because of her unwavering commitment to making a difference in people’s lives by instilling good eating habits and lifestyles.

Categories Other nutrition blog

Substitutes for sugar: Are They the Answer to Better Nutrition and Eating?

Categories Other nutrition blog Tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Author kanupriya123 Posted on

Substitutes for sugar: Are They the Answer to Better Nutrition and Eating?

Sugar is frequently blamed for a variety of health problems, including obesity and diabetes. Does this imply that the solution to better eating is to use sugar replacements and sweeteners?

Simply put, the answer is NO!

Let’s have a look at why.

What is the difference between sugar replacements and sweeteners?

Each sugar substitute differs somewhat. However the basic concept remains the same:

sugar alternatives provide the same sweetness as sugar but without the calories.

Many ‘diet’ or ‘light’ beverages, baked items, yogurts, and chewing gum contain them. Sugar substitutes are commonly referred to as “sweeteners” and they are regulated to assure their safety.

The following are some examples of common names:

• Saccharin

• Aspartame

• Sorbitol

• Xylitol

• Stevia extract

Because these sweeteners are many times sweeter than sucrose (sugar), a lesser amount is required to produce the same sweetness. This may cause some people to feel that artificial sweeteners are a healthy alternative.

Let’s look at how sweeteners compare to sugar:

It has long been established that additional sugars are harmful to one’s health. Even while there is less concrete proof in the case of sweeteners, we are overlooking a larger issue. Sweeteners have lesser or no calories as compared to sugar, but they both should be consumed in moderation. They do not provide any nutrients.

So, what does the research say?

Due to their low calorie content, sweeteners have gained popularity as dietary supplements. Artificial sweeteners, according to research, appear to be linked to an elevated risk of several chronic diseases, similar to those associated with sugar consumption. Some of these sweeteners have also been linked with poor gut health. Furthermore, there is no clear and consistent evidence that sweeteners actually lower weight or obesity rates.

Sweeteners appear to have many of the same effects as added sugars. The majority of studies have identified a link between artificially sweetened beverage consumption and weight increase. Another study recently discovered that people who drink diet sodas on a regular basis have a significantly higher risk of developing the diseases that these sugar substitutes are intended to prevent (such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and stroke).

The use of sweeteners in children could be hazardous in some ways. This is due to the fact that exposure to sugary meals throughout childhood can alter taste well into adulthood. Frequent consumption of high-sugar or artificial-sugar foods can change food choices, resulting in higher sugar consumption later in life. Sweetener-containing foods are deficient in nutrients and can interfere with proper growth and development during childhood and adolescence.

Sweeteners may also cause metabolic dysregulation by interfering with the gut flora. Finally, research in children and adults has demonstrated that artificial sweetener consumption (which has no calories) can lead to overconsumption of sweet food (which has calories) when added sugar is ingested later.

Last but not least

Sugar substitutes and sweeteners have little nutritional benefit. At the end of the day, it’s all about moderation. We should limit our use of both. Rather than focusing on which foods are the least unhealthy, try focusing on which foods are the most nutrient-dense.

In case you need a professional help, you can contact Kanupriya Khanna, a Senior Consultant Nutritionist and Dietitian, having more than 18 years of experience. She is one of the best dietitians in Delhi if you are looking for nutritional advice.

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