PhD
Dr. Sonal Dhemla, a gold medalist with four years of experience, is working with a pediatric hospital as a consultant dietitian/clinical nutritionist. She founded ‘Dr. Sonal’s Nutrittude’, a diet clinic specializing in child nutrition, complementary feeding, juvenile diabetes, celiac disease, autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, growth issues among children, different deficiencies, and much more. She also works in the field of obesity/overweight, PCOS/PCOD, hyper and hypothyroidism, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and gout. Dr. Dhemla is a health blogger and writes as an expert. She pursued her MSc from SK Agriculture University, Bikaner, and Ph.D. from Rajasthan University, Jaipur. She has published research papers in national and international journals and presented them at national and international conferences. She is also a member of the Indian Dietetic Association.
MomJunction believes in providing the most accurate content to its readers. Hence we get our articles reviewed by highly skilled experts in the relevant fields. The articles are reviewed to ensure their authenticity, factual correctness, and relevance. The board members also add inputs drawn from their years of experience. Learn more about our expert panel.
Bratwurst is a German sausage that is usually cooked in beer. You may be skeptical about consuming Bratwurst during pregnancy despite its nutritional value. Meat, if undercooked, is a source of infection-causing bacteria that may be harmful, especially during pregnancy. However, if properly cooked, they may serve to provide for the increased nutritional demands of the body during this time. In this post, we tell you whether or not it is safe for pregnant women to eat Bratwurst, its maternal health benefits and side effects. [mj-toc] What Is Bratwurst? Bratwurst is a traditional German cuisine. The meat sausage comprises pork, veal, and beef. Typically, it is cooked in broth or beer. Bratwurst offers several prenatal nutritional benefits, but it has a high-calorie and high-fat content, so you should eat it in moderation (1). Is It Safe To Eat Bratwurst While Pregnant? [caption id="attachment_890369" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Yes! It is safe to eat bratwurst during pregnancy. However, you need to cook...
Beetroot is a nutritious vegetable with several immune-boosting vitamins like A, B, and C. It is also a rich source of minerals such as potassium and manganese. If your children get fussy to eat it, try some interesting beetroot recipes for kids that they will not refuse to have. The slightly sweet taste of beetroot blends well with most recipes and adds a pinkish hue to the dish. We bring you a few lip-smacking recipes that may make your child enjoy the vegetable so much that beetroot will soon become their favorite. 10 Amazing Beetroot Recipes For Kids Here are some mouth-watering beetroot recipes for kids you can prepare by adding several colorful foods, such as veggies, fresh/dried herbs, and other healthy ingredients. 1. Beet And Feta Burger: You Will Need: 3 cups grated beets 1 onion 2 tablespoons of olive oil 2 garlic cloves 2 organic eggs 1 ½ cups rolled oats 7 ounces of feta cheese Handful fresh...
Pumpkin is a seasonal fruit or vegetable, rich in essential nutrients like vitamins, dietary fibers, and antioxidants. It's often associated with Halloween and the autumn/fall season. However, you may often find it difficult to feed pumpkins to your kids. In such cases, you can try a variety of pumpkin recipes for kids. Make sure that the vegetable is deliciously blended so that your child may enjoy the dish. Plunge into this post for some interesting and creative pumpkin recipes that your children will relish. 15 Easy Pumpkin Recipes For Kids 1. Cinderella Pumpkin Soup In A Pumpkin: [caption id="attachment_356231" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] You Need: 3 tbsp. olive oil and some more for brushing. 8 small pumpkins with the top removed and deseeded. Do not throw away the seeds. 3-4 lb halved pumpkin with strings and seeds removed. Do not throw away the seeds. 1 chopped onion 3 cloves minced garlic 6 c. chicken broth 2 tsp. minced Italian parsley...
After [simple_tooltip text="weaning" tooltip="A gradual process of transforming a baby’s diet from breastmilk to solids and other liquids." ], a baby’s first food should include a blend of flavors and textures to excite their taste buds. We bring you some delicious Indian food ideas for you to choose from a variety of options for optimal infant nutrition. You can divide your baby’s meal into different foods like solids, purees, and finger food-like items. It will help you familiarize your baby with various foods and prevent them from being fussy later. But feeding babies is not an easy task for most parents. So if you are looking for ways to include vegetables, fruits, and other nutritious elements in their meals while satisfying their taste buds, scroll through. [mj-toc] Top 20 Indian Baby Food Recipes Here is our list of 20 Indian baby food ideas that will be perfect for including in your baby-led weaning recipe list. 1. Mango idli: [caption id="attachment_368330"...
If you are looking for some ideas and inspiration to whip up healthy snacks for teenagers, this post is for you. Healthy snacks help fill up nutritional gaps and give teens the much-needed energy to carry on with the day. Teens’ bodies need nutrient-dense food to replenish the requirements of their rapidly changing bodies due to puberty. Moreover, healthy snacks help them stay alert and focused on their task. Teens generally tend to opt for unhealthy snack options when hunger strikes in between meals, thus harming their bodies in the long term. Therefore, it is important to plan healthy snack options. This post provides you with a list of healthy snack ideas that are easy to prepare and suitable for teenagers. Keep scrolling. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/healthy-diet-tips-and-a-plan-for-your-teenage-girl_0079914/" title="Diet For Teenage Girls: 9 Easy Tips And 2 Simple Diet Plans"] [mj-toc] 20 Healthy Snacks For Teens 1. Mexican tortilla pizza [caption id="attachment_377027" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] You Will Need: 4 whole-wheat tortillas 1...
Apples are nutritious and wholesome fruits and are a must in your child's diet. But the little one may not be impressed by the same version of sliced apples every time. So, here we bring you some yummy apple recipes for kids, which even the picky eaters would love. An apple is a storehouse of goodness. It has carbohydrates to keep your child's energy up, minerals such as boron for healthy bones, and vitamin C to build immunity. In addition, it contains the plant-based fiber, pectin, which helps with digestion and regular bowel movements. However, children may fuss over eating fruits or get bored if the recipes are repeated. So, keep reading this post to discover some healthy and tasty apple recipes and try them out to add variety to your child's palate. Following are the ways in which apples can help your children grow healthy. Apples provide the much needed carbohydrates to the body and keep your tiny tot...
Eggplant is known to have a myriad of health benefits, which could be beneficial for boosting your child’s health (1). In addition, cooking up some unique eggplant recipes for kids may help you include this healthy addition to your child’s daily meal plans without creating a fuss. If you are constantly looking for ways to add vegetables such as eggplants to your child’s diet, we have just what you need. In this post, we bring some simple and delectable eggplant recipes that could make your fussy little one fall in love with this nutritious vegetable. [mj-toc] Five Easy Eggplant Recipes For Kids Check out our delicious and super-easy eggplant recipes below: 1. Baked Eggplant With Cheese Topping: [caption id="attachment_358808" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] You Will Need: 1 large eggplant sliced 1 cup of milk 1 Tbsp salt 1 cup of flour 1 cup of breadcrumbs 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning 1 Tbsp Salt 1 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 cup of pasta...
Chamomile tea is a caffeine-free tea that people use for relaxation and for calming their senses. It has several natural [simple_tooltip text="bioactive compounds" tooltip="Molecules with antioxidant properties and health-promoting effects present in plants and some foods." ] that can benefit health over time. But while consuming it is safe for you, can you use chamomile tea for kids? Herbal teas such as chamomile are often sold unregulated, which means you can’t know about their safety and efficacy for children. Besides, they may contain added ingredients that the product label might not mention. Hence, you must follow expert guidance. An expert will guide you about the right tea to buy, the right amount to use as per your child’s age, and the intent of use. Read on as we tell you about the safety of chamomile tea for children, the safe quantity to use, and how it promotes health and wellness in kids. [mj-toc] Can Kids Drink Chamomile Tea? [caption id="attachment_890172"...
Walnuts are super healthy nuts that come with excellent health benefits. Hence most parents are keen to include walnuts for kids in chopped, finely ground, or other forms. They are great sources of healthy fats, fiber, and other essential nutrients and are also known to help manage a child’s blood pressure and digestion. A type of super-food, walnuts offer children an energy boost (11). Because of these and several other amazing benefits, these nuts add a lot of nutritional value and healthiness when included in your child’s meal plan. Keep reading to discover astonishing facts, health benefits, and more about walnuts. [mj-toc] Walnut Benefits For Kids - An Overview Most pediatricians say that introducing allergens like tree nuts to babies before the age of one is not a good idea. Here are some important nutritional values of walnuts and the benefits as well. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/kids-omega-3-benefits-dosage-side-effects_00790878/" title="Omega-3 For Kids: Safety, Benefits, Side Effects & Dosage"] Nutrient Value Of Walnuts Walnuts boast...
Chicken is one of the richest protein sources and can be prepared in several ways. Since most children enjoy slurping down soups, you could help ensure their daily protein requirement is met by introducing them to some easy chicken soup recipes for kids. Rich in nutrients, these soup recipes can make a healthy snack for a cold winter evening or a wholesome dinner. Chicken soups are also a great way to warm your child’s body and replenish their body fluid level when they are feeling unwell. Scroll through this post for some unique and tasty chicken soup recipes that will keep your children craving for more. [mj-toc] Top 10 Chicken Soup Recipes For Kids Here are ten chicken soup recipes that your kids will absolutely love: 1. Chicken Broth With Vegetables And Herbs: [caption id="attachment_326803" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] You need: Chicken thighs Water Sliced carrots, celery, green onions, fresh herbs like parsley, thyme or coriander Salt How to: Place...
Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish made with seafood, often raw salmon, tuna, yellowtail, squid, and vinegared sushi rice (sumeshi). However, depending on your preference, you can make different types of sushi, such as Maki (sushi rolls), using ingredients like Nori (seaweed) and vegetables(1). If you consider eating sushi when pregnant, you should eat a properly cooked variety since some are linked to food poisoning and increased mercury exposure. Typically, sushi is considered a healthy food choice, offering omega-3 fats, [simple_tooltip text="selenium" tooltip="An essential mineral found in foods such as nuts, fish, and chicken, involved in thyroid, reproductive, and cell-protective functions." ], zinc, vitamin B12, and iodine. Keep reading as we tell you about the safety of sushi, along with the sushi types you can safely eat when pregnant. [mj-toc] Can Pregnant Women Eat Sushi? [caption id="attachment_892946" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Yes, most pregnant women can eat sushi made with properly cooked, low-mercury fish or seafood. You can also eat...
Diwali is a festival children eagerly look forward to; they are most excited about indulging in some delectable sweet treats on this special day. Hence, if you want to explore some delicious Diwali sweet recipes for children, we have you covered. Dressing up, decorating the house with lights, and sharing the joy with delicious sweets – children love it all. And the fun of making Diwali sweets at home is doubled with your family around. So, this Diwali, surprise your little ones with their favorite sweet delicacies. To help you, we have listed some tasty and delightful sweet recipes for Diwali that will add to the festivities and surely be relished by your children. [mj-toc] List Of Easy Diwali Sweets Recipes For Children. 1. Pistachio Kulfi: [caption id="attachment_372975" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] You Will Need: ½ cup of sugar 3 liters of milk For The Kulfi Paste: ¼ cup of cashew ¼ cup of almonds, blanched and peeled ¼ cup of...
For most children, three main meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) might be insufficient. According to experts, young children (aged 2 to 8 years old) should have at least two snacks during a day, while older children (8 years and older) should have at least one snack with their major meals (1). Vegetable snacks for kids are nutritious, well-balanced snacks that also help children meet their daily vegetable requirements. It also ensures that children have enough energy throughout the day and reduces feelings of hunger, which can lead to the ingestion of high-calorie, high-sodium processed foods, and overeating (2). This post shares some easy-to-prepare, nutritious, tasty, and healthy veggie snack ideas for kids to keep them satiated all day. [mj-toc] Nutritious And Tasty Vegetable Snacks For Children Below are some unique, versatile, healthy, and easy-to-make vegetable snack ideas for children. 1. Ants on a log snacks [caption id="attachment_767968" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Ants on a log is a common yet attractive and...
An appetizer is a small, flavorful dish served at the beginning of a meal to improve one’s appetite. While most appetizers are delicious, they often miss being kid-friendly. If you want to make attractive, healthy, and kid-friendly appetizers, try any flavorsome appetizer recipes for kids shared in this post. These recipes are easy-to-make, delectable, and nutritious. You can also involve your child in the preparation process to make it exciting and fun. [mj-toc] 15+ Appetizer Recipes For Children Here are some easy-to-prepare, tasty, and kid-friendly appetizer recipes you and your children can make at home and enjoy eating with the entire family. 1. Baked zucchini chips [caption id="attachment_762837" align="alignnone" width="720"] image: Shutterstock[/caption] You will need: 1 zucchini (thinly sliced) ½tsp onion powder ½tsp garlic powder ½tsp paprika ¼tsp red pepper flakes 1tbsp virgin olive oil How to make: Preheat the oven to 300°F (148°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix...
The benefits of cucumber for kids are diverse. This popular summer vegetable is best known for its high water content, helping to prevent dehydration and cool down the stomach. Children can enjoy it raw as a part of fresh salads or a refreshing juice ideal for hot summers. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/skin-abscess-in-children-home-treatment-causes_00662863/" title="Skin Abscess In Children: Signs, Causes, Treatment And Home Care"] Cucumbers are also a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins that can improve your child’s immunity, protect them from different illnesses, and help manage minor burns or skin eruptions. Read on to know more about the health benefits of cucumbers for children and how to pick the best cucumbers when you go grocery shopping. [MJ_RELATED_LINKS href="https://www.momjunction.com/articles/skin-tags-in-children_00363058/" title="Skin Tags On Kids: Causes, Treatment And Removal Methods"] [mj-toc] What Is A Cucumber? [caption id="attachment_890785" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: iStock[/caption] A cucumber is a torpedo-shaped vegetable with green or dark green skin outside and edible pulp with seeds inside it. It’s quite popular and...
You may love the flavor of garlic in your favorite dish but may be unaware of its proven medicinal benefits, especially for children. The benefits of garlic for kids are numerous as it may be used as a home remedy to provide relief from various problems such as an upset stomach, earache, cold, and cough. In addition, including an appropriate dose of garlic in your child’s diet promotes their overall digestive health. Continue reading this post to learn more about the various health benefits of this medicinal herb and how to give garlic to your children to prevent any complications due to excessive consumption. [mj-toc] What Is Garlic? Garlic is a medicinal herb that is popular for its pungent smell and unique taste. Garlic has been cultivated for more than 3,000 years. The herb contains a natural compound popular [simple_tooltip text="allicin" tooltip="Oily component present in garlic with a pungent smell and antibacterial properties." ], which imparts several medicinal qualities to...
Watermelons for kids make for a delicious summer snack. In addition, there are various health benefits of eating watermelon. The fruit is high in essential nutrients and contains 92% water, which can help your child stay hydrated during the summer. It can also be used as baby food, but make sure to remove all of the seeds before giving them to your child. Read on to learn more about the health benefits of watermelon and some child-friendly watermelon recipes. [mj-toc] Nutrients In Watermelon Watermelons are storehouses of nutrients. For your benefit, we list the nutrients in watermelon, along with their health benefits (1): Lycopene: It is an antioxidant that helps maintain a healthy heart, bones and also prevents cancer. Vitamin A: This Vitamin is good for eyes and skin. Vitamin B1: This Vitamin helps the body to use food for getting energy. Vitamin B6: Helps in fighting infections. Vitamin C: This Vitamin makes the immune system stronger thereby keeps your...
Your child might be hesitant to eat a healthy meal, but making visually attractive recipes with their favorite fruits will certainly encourage them to eat. Fun fruit salad recipes for kids can be a perfect way to get children to eat seasonal fruits, gain their benefits, and have fun while eating (1). In this post, we have compiled a selection of easy, healthy fruit salad recipes for your children to enjoy. Top 15 Easy Fruit Salad Recipes For Kids To Make 1. Frozen Fruit Salad: [caption id="attachment_893370" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] The frozen fruit salad is a perfect summer delight. You will need 1 tin of condensed milk, 15 oz of mandarin oranges, 21 oz of tin cherry or peach pie filling, 1 tin of crushed pineapple, 1 carton of frozen whipped topping, 2/3 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans and lettuce leaves. Take a large bowl, mix pie filling and milk. Add pineapple, oranges, and nuts. Mix whipped topping...
There is bad cholesterol and good cholesterol, and butter is a source of good cholesterol. When it comes to butter for kids, you may be skeptical about adding it to their meals. But a moderate amount is essential for children to get the required nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids (1). The beneficial properties of butter can help the child’s overall growth by promoting brain development, providing immunity, and improving digestion. In addition, butter is a versatile ingredient that you can creatively include in different foods to enhance their flavor. Scroll through this post to learn more about butter, including its benefits for children, a recipe for homemade butter, and ways to serve it. [mj-toc] Benefits Of Butter For Kids The health properties of butter have been famous for generations. Modern scientific studies prove the health benefits of butter for children. Some of them include (1) (2) (3): 1. High In Nutrients: Butter is a great source of...
Pomegranates are juicy fruits that are storehouses of several nutrients. The proven medicinal benefits of pomegranate for kids may encourage you to include this fruit in their diet. Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants and effectively address various health problems, including stomach disorders and dental health. They also help regulate fever and fight the common cold. In addition, they are rich in iron, calcium, and fiber and help improve liver function and increase the body’s hemoglobin level. Keep reading this post to learn more about the various health benefits of pomegranates and how to include them in your child’s diet. [mj-toc] Facts About Pomegranate [caption id="attachment_891175" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image: Shutterstock[/caption] Pomegranate is popular as tropical, sweet flavored fruit. The bright red colored fruit is semi-seedy and has the size of an average apple. The fruit is native to Granada, Spain, but now you can find it throughout the world. Pomegranate possesses several medicinal properties, so many ancient civilizations, such as Rome,...
Eating an egg a day provides your child with the nutrient equivalent of a multivitamin meal since eggs are a powerhouse of essential nutrients, proteins, and minerals, such as [simple_tooltip text="Choline" tooltip="An vital nutrient found naturally in some foods, involved in the functioning of the brain, muscles, and cell repair." ] and [simple_tooltip text="Selenium" tooltip="An essential mineral found in foods such as nuts, fish, and chicken, involved in thyroid, reproductive, and cell-protective functions." ]. Since eggs can be prepared in various ways, you could try new egg recipes for kids to spice up their meals. Eggs are a global favorite, but more than their taste, their nutrient value makes them an excellent food choice for children. Further, eggs are versatile and can be eaten boiled, poached, or fried and in combination with various other foods. Read this post for some nutritious and delectable egg dishes you could prepare for your children. Top 20 Egg Recipes For Kids 1. Omelette: [caption...
Once your baby shifts to solid food, you could be thinking about including nuts in their diet. Nuts for babies can benefit their overall health by offering several essential nutrients and healthy fats. Besides, adding a few nuts to a preparation could enhance its texture and flavor. Nuts are one of the best-known natural food items that most people consume to boost their health and immunity. But, being a potential allergen, you may have a few safety concerns about giving nuts to your baby. Explore the health benefits and side effects of nuts for babies, along with the right age and ways to introduce nuts to your little one. [mj-toc] Is It Safe To Feed Nuts To Babies? Nuts may usually be safe for babies when fed in age-appropriate ways. However, considering their allergenic nature, experts advise consulting a pediatrician before introducing nuts to babies. It is preeminent if the baby has other food allergies or has a family history...
Constipation in babies is a common occurrence and can cause your little ones much pain and discomfort. One quick remedy for constipation is a modification of the baby\'s diet. You may include certain foods to help with constipation in babies. Knowing about the different types of foods that cause or relieve constipation in babies can help you alleviate food-related causes of constipation and easily manage the condition. This post explains the foods that may lead to constipation and foods that help with reducing constipation in babies. [mj-toc] How To Tell If Your Baby Is Constipated? A baby who is constipated could display the following signs and symptoms (1) (2). No stool for three days if the baby is formula-fed or on solids No stool for more than a week in case of exclusively breastfed babies Baby painfully strains to pass hard and lumpy stool Baby has to painfully strain for several minutes to pass some stool Stool appears like dry...
Approximately 8% to 12% of all school-aged children skip their breakfast. There are various reasons why your child would skip breakfast, but you must intervene. You can try some healthy and kid-friendly breakfast ideas for kids to make your child look forward to eating. Breakfast is the first meal of the day, eaten several hours after the previous night\'s dinner. Studies show that children who eat healthy and nutritious breakfast regularly have better weight management, improved muscle coordination, higher levels of physical activity, enhanced cognitive and academic performance, enhanced alertness and memory, and less school absenteeism (1)(2)(3). This post shares some practical tips on making a nutritious breakfast and kid-friendly breakfast recipes for children. [mj-toc]Tips To Make A Healthy Breakfast For Children Here are some simple tips that you can follow to make a wholesome breakfast that your children will look forward to eating (5)(6)(7). Give your children options. Ask them what they would like to have for breakfast, andgive them...