Public health and Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics
Shivani Sikri is the chief nutritionist and co-founder of Nutri4Verve and holds about 13 years of experience in the field of nutrition. After completing her Masters, Shivani Sikri did a postgraduate in nutrition and health education, a postgraduate diploma in public health and nutrition (PGDPHN), and a postgraduate diploma in nutrition and clinical dietetics. She has also completed her certification in Nutrigenomics from the US.
Shivani recommends a well-balanced, holistic lifestyle modification approach to her clients, with customized, balanced Indian fusion and international diets. She is a regular columnist and health writer at leading publications in India, including The Times of India, Femina, and The Indian Express. She has been featured in Tata Sky Health, invited as a guest speaker for the government program Poshan Abhiyaan, and has conducted various workshops and webinars at schools, institutes, and corporates.
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Consumption of acai berries has several health benefits. Some believe that these berries help treat sexual disorders and reduce weight. However, women might be apprehensive about eating acai berry during pregnancy. Since these berries are nutrient-dense, one might be tempted to eat them. However, it would be wise to know their effects on pregnancy before…
You certainly already have a list of what to eat and not to eat while pregnant. However, you may succumb to your pregnancy food cravings, which are common among pregnant women. For example, eating a cake during pregnancy is one such pregnancy craving. If you are considering eating cake while pregnant but aren't sure if…
Pesto, a sauce from Italian cuisine, is prepared using a variety of nutritious ingredients. However, is it safe to have pesto during pregnancy? Consuming pesto sauce in moderation may be considered a healthy option in pregnant women. It may provide certain nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, and good fats to meet the increased daily requirements…
If you do not add variety to your teen’s lunch or pack the same lunch every day, your children may lose interest in eating it. Therefore, you should come up with creative and fun lunch ideas for teens that encourage them to finish their food daily and provide them with the necessary nutrients. Teens are…
You may agree that cheese makes the earth a better place to live. Many children love this delight. And so their parents keep trying interesting and tasty cheese recipes for kids for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert. From grilled cheese on toast to cheese sticks, cheese makes everything better. Cheese is a good source…
Image: Shutterstock You must have hardly seen a child who dislikes chocolates. Knowing about different chocolate recipes for kids might help you and your munchkin experiment and discover some yummy delicacies. Moreover, research says that people who consume chocolates regularly are less likely to suffer from blood pressure and cardiac diseases. So, if you are…
Green tea is a refreshing and popular beverage that is a favorite among many people due to the health benefits it offers. However, if you are unsure about the benefits and side effects of green tea for children, we will help you find the answers in this post. Green tea has been scientifically proven to…
Eating a well-balanced diet during pregnancy helps you stay healthy and fit. It is known how essential it is to eat vegetables and fruits during pregnancy to get the necessary minerals and vitamins. And one such fruit is apples. Consuming apples during pregnancy has many health benefits. So, read on to know more about the…
Nutritious food plays an important role in ensuring a healthy and risk-free pregnancy. However, many women are apprehensive about consuming meat, such as ham during pregnancy. Pregnant women should be cautious about eating undercooked or raw meat as it risks infections. When such infections are transferred to the fetus, they might cause several adverse effects.…
To ensure proper prenatal care, pregnant women are often advised to incorporate citrus fruits into their diet. Pomelo during pregnancy is one such fruit that offers various health benefits. The fruit tends to be sweeter than other citrus fruits and offers good nutritional value. In addition, it provides folic acid and vitamin C, which are…
Celery is a highly nutritious vegetable commonly used in salads and soups. Although the vegetable is consumed routinely, many women are apprehensive about eating celery during pregnancy. Since celery is loaded with antioxidantsiXSubstances that may prevent or slow down some types of the cell damage caused due to harmful molecules called free radicals. , enzymes,…
Sunflower seeds during pregnancy can serve as a healthy, nutritious snack. The dried, roasted seeds are filled with nutrients to help your baby’s development and reduce the risk of developmental disorders. Besides, its high potassium content can aid in maintaining your blood pressure level. Sunflower seeds can be taken as delicious salty snacks or added…
Punches are easy-to-prepare, refreshing beverages that children can relish across meals and on different occasions. So here are some interesting punch recipes for kids that you can prepare ahead of time by freezing into cubes. Later, add these punch cubes to a solvent to make a quick punch! You can make a tasty punch in…
Desserts are often the best part of a meal for children, and puddings are surely among their favorites. Further, since they are versatile and customizable, you can make delicious pudding recipes for kids healthier by including fruits and nutritious ingredients. Thus, these sweet, milk-based desserts are a great way to encourage your children to consume…
Mothers of toddlers and young kids are always on the hunt for healthy, interesting, and delicious recipes for their children. Beetroot is one such healthy food that is a favorite of all mothers. We bring you some interesting beetroot recipes for toddlers. While children always prefer their snacks, it may help mothers know some interesting…
Many women crave Chinese food during pregnancy but are worried about its effects on their baby’s health. Chinese food and traditions are also surrounded by many myths, such as eating crabs during pregnancy may cause you to give birth to a naughty baby as the many legs of the crab symbolically represent naughtiness (1). However,…
The benefits of bananas for kids are numerous as they are rich sources of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and several bioactive compoundsiXMolecules in plants and some foods with antioxidant properties and health-promoting effects. that boosts children’s overall health. Besides, it provides ample calories that can help contribute to a growing child’s increased energy needs. The Cavendish…
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and fiber, making them a healthy fruit option and a good alternative for unhealthy sugary candies. They are also rich sources of antioxidants. Here are a few strawberry recipes for kids that may impress your little ones and make them have more. Since strawberries have a versatile taste, you…
Caesar salad is a delectable salad that is healthy and filling. But since its dressing contains ingredients such as raw eggs and cheese, you would want to know if eating caesar salad during pregnancy is a safe choice or not? Generally, eating raw or uncooked eggs and cheeses made with unpasteurized milk is a strict…
Coconut oil is an edible oil produced by pressing fresh or dried coconut meat. Besides adding it to food, you can use it for hair strengthening and skin care as a moisturizer. Since it has several benefits, it should be considered whether the use of coconut oil during pregnancy is safe and beneficial. Read on…
Star fruit is known to be a rich source of antioxidants and essential nutrients. But is it safe to have star fruit during pregnancy? The star fruit is a greenish-yellow colored fruit that is considered to be native to Sri Lanka. Its nutritional profile includes vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, and organic acids, all of which play…
Cooking activities for kids can be fun and educational simultaneously. Cooking does not only help children relax but also helps develop physical, social, mental, and emotional skills. For example, cooking together can help children learn the values of teamwork and communication. While cooking, they can also learn to measure, count, and cut food items. These…
Cantaloupe is a melon belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, consisting of watermelons and honeydews. The soft and sweet pulpy summer fruit may be something you would wish to feed to your baby. But while considering cantaloupe for babies, it is important to know about its safety and health aspects. Besides being sweet and soft, cantaloupe…
Getting your children to eat their greens can be tiring. However, you could get them interested in their veggies by taking a break from your usual recipes and trying some unique vegetable recipes for toddlers. Children need wholesome meals rich in proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Thus, without vegetables, your children will lack the…
Nachos are fried or baked tortilla chips often served with melted cheese and different toppings. They are often a favorite snack time option for kids. Hence, we have put together some easy nacho recipes for kids to give a creative and healthy twist to your children’s snack of choice. By adding a healthy portion of…
It is not fully known whether you should eat spicy dishes or ingest various spices during pregnancy. Some say it may cause problems during pregnancy, while others say it's beneficial. Furthermore, you may have turned down all outside food because you are unsure of which spices to consume and which to avoid while pregnant. This…
Many women crave pasta during pregnancy but are worried about its safety. Generally, moderate amounts of pasta can be consumed safely during pregnancy if made at home. However, if you decide to eat pasta, you should pay attention to its quality. For example, it is better to choose healthier varieties, such as wholewheat pasta. Eating…
Pregnancy brings along a lot of restrictions on the types of food you can eat. But passion fruit is certainly not one of them. Consuming passion fruit during pregnancy can satisfy your cravings for something sweet and sour while promoting a healthy pregnancy. The tropical fruit is filled with nutrients that can alleviate many of…
Teens can be fussy eaters, and coming up with new and exciting recipes every day is a daunting task. So, to help you out with it, we bring you this post on interesting dinner ideas for teens. Teens generally crave spicy and tasty food for their meals. In addition, they have access to the Internet…
In recent years, seaweed has emerged as a superfood and has gained importance as a dietary supplement. But, you may not be sure of the safety of seaweed during pregnancy. Pregnant women should exercise caution while consuming it because it can have adverse effects on the growth of the fetus if taken in excess. Although…
If you are craving pumpkin during pregnancy, you need not hesitate to include it in your diet. Pumpkin and its seeds are highly nutritious and beneficial for pregnant women. The fiber-rich fruit helps prevent and treat constipation. Additionally, the seeds help maintain a healthy pumping heart and aids in the baby’s bone formation. Besides these…
Ragi is a high-fiber food beneficial for babies. If you wish to introduce ragi to their diet, this post includes simple recipes to help you prepare ragi porridge for babies. Ragi contains high amounts of protein, vitamins, and fibers that help improve digestion, strengthen bones, boost immunity, and prevent anemia. Read on to know more…
Some women may have food cravings for hot dogs during pregnancy but may be concerned about whether it is safe to consume them. Since the food you consume during pregnancy can directly impact fetal health, informed decisions should be made. A hot dog, also known as a frankfurter or wiener, is a popular barbecued food…
Vegetables are a great source of nutrition for pregnant women. However, you might be curious to know about the safety of radish during pregnancy. The vegetable is known to have numerous health benefits and provides many essential nutrients required for a healthy pregnancy. However, consuming it raw may cause infections that lead to further complications…
Nectarines share similarities with peaches in terms of appearance. The fruit is packed with sweetness and juicy goodness that can make you crave nectarines when pregnant. But just like any other food, it is natural to be skeptical about its safety when you are an expecting mother. So if you want to try one of…
When you are expecting, you need to be extra careful about your nutrition because everything you eat will affect the growing fetus. Therefore, many women wonder whether it is safe to eat prawns during pregnancy. Seafood is generally considered unsafe for consumption during pregnancy because of the toxins they contain due to the rise in…
Carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene (antioxidantiXCompounds that prevent or delay cellular damage caused by free radicals ), vitamins, and calcium (1). In addition, consuming carrot juice during pregnancy can protect you and your baby from various illnesses by boosting your immunity (2). During pregnancy, you may not be able to enjoy some beverages…
If you have got a fussy eater at home, this post on bread recipes for kids might be of help to you. Bread is a rich source of carbohydrates, fibers, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, which can contribute to a child’s growth and development. But how many times can you give your child the plain old…
Is it safe to eat jelly during pregnancy? Fruit jelly is one of the desserts loved by people across age groups. The hormonal changes of pregnancy and increased cravings can make one want to indulge in a spoonful of that yummy smooth jelly. Continue reading this post as we tell you about the health benefits,…
Preparing smoothies for toddlers is a healthy way to include the fruits and vegetables they would not eat otherwise in their diet. Smoothies provide children with all the necessary vitamins, proteins, and minerals. In addition, they are healthier than juices since the fiber content of the fruit or veggie is retained (1). Smoothies also provide…