Anyone out there who has ever tried to feed a child something that does not look tasty knows that they don’t always eat what you want. This is one big problem for all the parents out there. This is the reason why it becomes very tough to figure out what to do when it comes to feeding their bodies with nourishing food. This stressful situation is not just limited to home but also at the daycare centers where you have enrolled your children. Maybe that’s why play school education is not just limited to education but also to nutritional health.
As parents, we always want to ensure that our preschoolers get the right amount of nutrients to help support their growth and development. As this is a common requirement for daycare creche too, we are here to help you out. How? We have compiled a list of the top 10 well-balanced meal preparation ideas for preschoolers. These meal preps are exclusively for the Indian vegetarian population. These mentioned meal preparation ideas are not just delicious but also are loaded with essential nutrients your little one needs for the best possible growth and development.
Best Well-Balanced Meal Preparations for Preschoolers:
1. Vegetable Pulao:
So, the first one which might be already the favorite of many children is the special vegetable pulao. You can simply start off with this simple and flavorful pulao. This is a pot meal that can give your little one a number of nutrients. Vegetable pulao is a combination of rice, mixed vegetables, and aromatic spices. You can choose to add a wide variety of healthy vegetables like carrots, peas, beans, cauliflower, or whatever vegetables you think would be essential for the child’s growth and development. As more vegetables, more healthier the meal will be. In addition to that, serve the vegetable pulao with yogurt or raita for added probiotics and calcium.
2. Vegetable Paratha:
How about turning your child’s favorite parathas into healthy parathas? Yes, we are talking about vegetable paratha which is one great way to incorporate vegetables into your preschooler’s diet. But we also know how fussy young children are when it comes to eating vegetables. But with vegetable parathas on the menu, you won’t find any difficulty feeding them. All you have to do is to great all the vegetables you want to add to the vegetable paratha and then make a dough using these vegetables. Once your veggie dough is ready, cook the paratha with minimal oil. Serve these parathas with side of a tomato chutney or yogurt
3. Moong Dal Khichdi:
Moong Dal Khichdi is one great healthy meal Parents or playschool centres should add it to the meal routine. It is a comforting and nutritious meal option for preschoolers. The moong daal khichdi is made with a combination of rice and split yellow lentils. If you want you can cook rice, lentils, and vegetables like peas, carrots, and potatoes to make a full-fledged khichdi for your child. The dish is quite easy to digest and provides a good balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and many more essential vitamins. You can serve the khichdi with curd, raita, or your favorite pickle for your little one.
4. Vegetable Upma:
Another great meal preparation you can add to your preschooler’s routine is Vegetable Upma. it is a popular south indian dish which is made with semolina and vegetables. It is a great meal choice that is often served as breakfast at many daycare centers for little ones. It is one quick and easy-to-prepare meal, perfect for busy mornings. You can make this meal more healthy and tasty by adding a wide variety of vegetables like onion, peas, corn, carrots, or anything else you would like to add. It will even make the meal visually appealing for your little one. The choice to serve it with a side is your choice for an added flavor.
5. Vegetable Dalia:
Another amazing meal option that is good for the gut health of your little one is vegetable-loaded with Dalia. Also known as broken wheat, Dalia is a wholesome meal that is easy to digest and a nutritious option for preschoolers. You can cook the vegetable dalia with mixed vegetables, and add some spices and water to make a delicious and fulfilling meal. To make it more tasty and interesting for your little you can some roasted peanuts, and cashews for added crunch and protein. Serve it curd or pickle of your child’s choice.
6. Veggie Cutlets:
Want to treat your child with something special? Veggie cutlets can be a great healthy and tasty snack or meal preparation your child will love. It is an easy-to-prepare recipe. All you need to do is boil all the vegetables, add ginger garlic paste to it along with some spices, and mash the mixture. Once done make small patties out of the mixture and shallow fry or air fry these cutlets. Season it with mild spices like turmeric and cumin for added flavor. You can serve these veggie cutlets with tomato ketchup or with some home-prepared chutney.
7. Sweet Potato
Lacking time and in need of something nourishing? Sweet potato fries can be a great idea. They should be washed, pierced with holes, and microwaved for 3-5 minutes, depending on size. Scoop it onto your child’s plate after slicing it lengthwise and allowing it to cool. Sweet potatoes are appealing to all ages, whether your child is 6 months, 6 years, or 16 years old (because they are sweet!). According to the USDA, they are a great source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin A (almost 250% of the adult’s daily intake). Increasing potassium maintains heart and blood pressure health.
8. Mixed Vegetable Soup:
We all know how healthy and fulfilling soups are. So, how about mixed vegetable soup for your little one? It is a great meal that is rich in fiber and vitamins along with antioxidants if added to the right vegetables. After all, soups can be a great way to add vegetables to your preschooler’s diet. Make a thick and healthy mixed vegetable using carrots, peas, beans, and potatoes. You can also add noodles or vegetables to make it more appealing. Serve it with a side of whole wheat bread for a complete meal.
9. Paneer Tikka:
If your child loves paneer then this is the best dish you can surprise your child with. It is one healthy and tasty dish no child can ever say no to. We are talking about Paneer tikka, which is a delicious and protein-rich option for preschoolers. All you have to do is to marinate the paneer cubes with yogurt and spices. Now marinate the paneer or grill them until they turn golden brown. Serve it with a side of mint chutney and sliced vegetables for a healthy and balanced meal.
10. Fruit Salad:
A fruit salad is a delicious way to finish the meal. Various fruits, such as apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes, should be chopped and combined. For additional flavor, you might also mix in some honey or chaat masala.
In conclusion, offering preschoolers a variety of well-balanced meal selections can be a difficult undertaking. However, by using these top 10 meal prep suggestions for vegetarian Indian alternatives, you can make sure that your child gets the nutrients they need while still enjoying scrumptious meals.
