Rainy Season Foods for Kids

Here are some things you can give your child during the monsoon season:

• Curd: It is considered to be best during jaundice and hepatitis and helps in digestion. Apart from this, it also avoids gastro problems in kids.
• Pulses: These are an abundant source of protein, vitamins, fibres as well as minerals. They also aid in repairing cells.
• Fruits: They consist of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, potassium and beneficial nutrients. Seasonal fruits are a great way to build immunity. Make sure that you wash fruits and vegetables before consuming it.
• Eggs: These are rich in iron and protein which makes it possible to keep illnesses at bay.
• Spices: Turmeric, pepper, coriander, cloves, and cinnamon should be added in food.
• Garlic and ginger: Adding these to food prevents stomach infection.
• Other veggies and fruits: Spinach, broccoli and citrus fruit are nutritious and fight infections.

• Corn Bhel: This is one of the best monsoon food recipe, and easy to make. Add chopped tomatoes, onion and coriander leaves along with lemon juice.
• Masala Milk: Grind almonds, cashews, pistachios. Add nutmeg and cardamom powder in boiling milk. Add the masala milk powder of grinded dry fruits. Now put on saffron strands and sugar, boil it again and serve it chilled.
• Paneer Nuggets: Marinate paneer cubes with soya sauce and lime juice for half an hour, a thin paste of gram flour water and salt. Dip the marinated paneer into it and overcoat it with panko mixture (mix panko, red chilli flakes, salt and sesame seeds). Fry the paneer and serve it with sauce.
• Cream of Broccoli Soup:Chop broccoli and make a paste. Heat butter in a pan and fry onion and garlic. Put whole wheat flour and water; stir it well and boil. Now add the broccoli puree and cook for 6-7 min, cream and heated milk should be added, followed by crushed peeper, salt and herbs.
• Chicken fry: Add green chillies, onion, ginger garlic paste and garam masala in hot oil. chicken pieces, nutmeg, turmeric, chilli powder, pepper and cook for 6 to 7 minutes. At the end add salt and coriander powder and garnish with coriander leaves.

• It is best to avoid salty and heavy food since it promotes bloating and water retention.
• During monsoons one should avoid too much of fish or meat. Stock your fridge with green vegetables, cereals and fruits. Also avoid fried or overcooked food since the decrease your body's digestive efficiency.
• Stick to "dry" foods. Cereals like corn, chickpea and oats will provide you with all the vital nutrition that you need. During monsoon is it is best to avoid watery meals like curried rice as they may cause bloating.
• Heavy oils like Mustard and sesame should be avoided during monsoons. This in addition to increasing the concentration of Pitta also makes the body vulnerable to infections. Oils, which can be used, for cooking during the rainy season are dry oils like corn or light oils like olive.
• Avoid salads and cut fruits during monsoons. Choose steamed salads instead.
• Avoid fruits and dishes that are very sour like tamarind, pickles and chutneys since they promote water retention.
• It's best to avoid dairy based eatables like raita and cottage cheese (paneer) while eating outside.
• Avoid consuming dairy foods like paneer, raita etc. outside at a street vendor.
• Consume a lot of bitter vegetables like karela (bitter gourd) and bitter herbs like neem (basil), methi (fenugreek) seeds, haldi (turmeric) as it prevents infection.
• Last but not the least feel free to feast on hot tea and spicy pakoras as long as you keep the rest of your diet healthy.