Healthy Plates, Sharp Minds: A new meal plan for primary school kids

A healthy, nutritious meal is crucial for primary-level kids. At this stage, children are rapidly growing, physically and mentally, and require a balanced intake of essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Proper nutrition boosts their immune system, helps maintain energy levels for active learning, and enhances concentration and memory, essential for academic performance. 

Speaking about the new meal plan, Mrs Sangeeta Nistandra, Principal, Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg shares, “The new nutritious meal plan was designed to provide our students with balanced, healthy, and delicious meals throughout the school day and at home also. Research consistently shows that a well-balanced diet not only supports physical growth but also enhances cognitive function, concentration, and overall academic performance. With this in mind, our meal plan has been carefully crafted to address the diverse nutritional needs of our students, ensuring they receive the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates.”

Dr Noopur Sud, a paediatrician and mother of Aakarsh, a student of class I at Apeejay, Mahavir Marg, said: “I strongly believe in the concept of a nutritious meal plan for primary school children. This is the ideal age to inculcate healthy eating habits. A balanced meal plan using diverse food groups teaches a child to eat different kinds of food in the company of peers at school and will gradually eliminate the desire for junk food.”

The meal plan features a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and dairy products for which Mrs Nistandra has worked extensively to ensure that each meal is rich in essential nutrients while being free from excessive sugars, unhealthy fats, and processed ingredients.

“Our meals will include whole grain options like brown rice and whole wheat bread, proteins, legumes and a wide array of colourful fruits and vegetables. These choices are designed not only to support students’ growth but also to instil lifelong healthy eating habits,” Mrs Nistandra explained.

Talking about the innovative recipes of the meal plan, Teethi Mahajan shares that both her children, Vansh, in class III, and Tanush, in the nursery, enjoy healthy and nutritious delicacies like beans tikki, paneer parantha, sprout salad, macaroni with lots of veggies and upma to name a few.

Priya Manchanda whose children Sargun and Samarthveer study in class V and UKG respectively, said: “I am very grateful to the Principal ma’am for the diet plan. She has made sure children get all the nutrients and energy and at the same time, they don’t get bored with the repeated menu. She has included five soaked almonds every day along with fruit tiffin due to which my child had cultivated the habit of eating fruits and dry fruits daily. I liked the variation she has given in the menu. She has made tiffin into interesting food days like wheat day/green veggies day/protein day/fermented day for dishes like dosa and idli.“

“In August, Principal ma’am held a tricolour day where children brought food in tricolour. Moreover, Fridays are treat days. My children are always excited about the everyday menu. Ma’am has sorted out our mother’s biggest problem of deciding the menu for every day,” Mrs Priya said in conclusion.