Nutrition Drinks for Kids: Complan’s Role in Supporting Growth #63PercentMoreProtein

It's a truth universally acknowledged that when mothers get together, they mostly talk about their children. And one of the hottest topics is their children's eating habits and nutrition. Children must get a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and a small amount of healthy fats. 

A balanced diet will provide virtually all the nutrients that children need. Here are some nutrients that are most important for kids’ growth.

What nutrients are most important for kids’ growth (source)

• Iron - This nutrient helps children make red blood cells, which carry oxygen in the body, and it helps them grow. Without it, they can get anaemia.

• Vitamin D - This builds strong, healthy bones.

• Calcium - It also builds strong bones, which store the nutrients for years.

• Healthy fats - Good kind of fats are key for brain and nerve growth. They also help with healthy metabolism, and letting the body absorb vitamins.

• Vitamin C - This nutrient helps kids build their immune systems, promotes healing from cuts and scrapes, and gets their bodies to absorb iron.

• Proteins - It builds muscles and other tissues in kids’ bodies. Plus, it helps them boost their immune systems.

How can you ensure your kid is getting these nutrients?

Conversation with a Friend: Introducing Complan

My childhood friend and I met after a long time. Two giggling girls (a story for another time) were now young mothers. As the evening darkened outside, our conversations eventually meandered towards our children.

'She doesn't eat anything. She wouldn't even chew properly. Sometimes I have to grind her food in a mixer grinder,’ my friend said.

As clichéd as it may sound, it's the truth. There comes a phase in every mother's life when she struggles to feed her child because the child wouldn't eat anything. I have experienced this personally.

And that's so stressful because it happens at a certain age that's most crucial for children's physical and mental growth. 

Making use of Complan

'What do you do to compensate?’ I asked, looking at the petite little girl who was playing with the frills of her frock.

My friend replied, ‘I have started giving her a nutrition drink.’ 

'Which one?’

'Complan,’ she said. 

A smile played on my lips at the mention of the brand because that was probably the most popular brand we had heard of. I remembered the famous advertisement: 'I'm a Complan girl; I'm a Complan boy!’ featuring Shahid Kapur and Ayesha Takia.

'I did my research before choosing it. It's scientifically formulated,’ she said as though reading my mind.

She told me that Complan has 34 vital nutrients including 100% milk protein and it contains 63% more protein than other nutrition drinks. Complan is clinically proven to support 2x faster growth.

‘And the taste?’

'She loves it!’ My friend added enthusiastically. ‘I add Complan to milk and she doesn't complain. I'm so relieved.’

Encourage Varied Food Choices

Children are rambunctious, so they need more energy. They are sometimes finicky. I remember the time when my son refused to eat anything. I would make different things but he wouldn't eat. I didn't want to waste food, so I ended up unnecessarily eating the leftovers.

They need something that tastes different from usual everyday meals. Nutritional drinks can make the milk tastier and healthier.

Conversation with a Neighbor: Exploring Nutrition Drink Options

Later on, I was talking to a neighbour. 

'Does your son drink milk?’ she asked. And I was a little surprised. I mean every child drinks milk.

'My daughter refuses to drink milk; says she doesn't like the taste. It's so difficult because milk is such a common and important part of a child's meal. I read somewhere that milk protein is important for kids.’ She informed me. And then I realized that not liking the taste of milk is not that uncommon. 

'I am planning to give her some nutrition drink, but don't know which one to choose. Adding a nutrition drink changes the taste of milk. So she might start drinking milk.’ She looked worried.

I checked the website of Complan before suggesting it. It was good to know that Complan has 34 vital nutrients including carbohydrates, proteins and fat, and is fortified with vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, vitamins A, C, E, and many more.

'I’m not sure about other drinks but Complan is a good option. You can easily add it to milk to enhance the taste. Tried and tested by my friend,’ I said.

Our child's nutrition, growth and development are extremely important, and to ensure that, we need to be extra careful about the meals we serve to our children.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. This is a part of the public awareness initiative supported by Complan.

Screen Time and Safe Internet for Children

Image source: Freepik

The other day, Blogchatter was having a chat session on Twitter. The topic was safe internet for kids. That was interesting and important. 

'How would your child react if there's no internet for a day?' This was one of the questions. 

'He won't react because he doesn't use a mobile phone, plus he has a very limited screen time, so one day without the internet would not make a difference. But then, he is just ten.' was my response.

How did I limit his screen time?

Thankfully, the kid has loved books since he was a baby. Later, every night before going to bed, we read a book together.

So I ask him to choose. 'Do you want to watch TV or read a book?' 

He promptly answers, 'Read a book!' and it makes me happy. 

It's not that he doesn't enjoy watching TV or working on a computer. He used to enjoy watching cartoons on mobile phone as well. I don't really remember when and why he got bored of mobile phone but I remember how we controlled television time. It was in 2019, when one day, our television remote stopped working. He was disappointed but finally understood that nothing can be done at that time. 

And then, we never got it repaired. At least we told him so. We never switch on the TV in his presence. We watched TV when he was in school or when he went to bed at night. So, in a way, we limited our screen time as well.

But kids need something for entertainment. How did I keep him engaged and entertained?

He loves sketching, so I let him watch drawing videos on my mobile phone for ten minutes or so. We enrolled him in a dance class. He isn't a good dancer but he enjoyed that session, dancing with other children. He enjoyed the time as we walked together to the dance class. And the moment when his father arrived to pick us after his evening walk. 

Books, drawing books, stationery and art supplies excite him immensely, so I bought those things for him and he would spend hours, totally engaged.

But then…

It was going well until the lockdown. After that, we had to let him sit in front of a laptop for hours for his online classes. The lockdown went on for so long that we felt the need to watch TV for entertainment. 

When he resumed regular classes last year, he was so excited that he didn't bother about TV or phone. He got busy with his new books and friends. 

So, he watches TV but for a short period. He uses the computer, but twice a week; calls it 'computer day'. He doesn't use a mobile phone. 

So, basically, what works:

Finding ways to keep him engaged.

His love for reading. He gets very excited whenever I buy a book or even receive a review copy.

His interest in drawing. We have installed a white board. So, he is mostly busy with the board and markers. Recently, he has developed a keen interest in maps. 

Communication works!

We talk to him, make him understand that too much screen time is not good. We don't just switch off the TV or computer abruptly because, well, the time is up. We ask him to do it himself.

Keep a tab

That's very important. He never watches TV or uses the computer alone. We are usually around. We encourage him to watch children's programmes. Sometimes he tries to watch random bollywood movies, but I ask him gently not to watch and he agrees. 

So, another thing that works is gentle communication. I have learned the hard way not to yell.

As children grow up, and obtain their private space, their time with internet certainly becomes a matter of concern. So, please check out Happinetz: safe internet for kids, launched by Blogchatter. It's very innovative. I will keep this in mind. 

Happinetz is a safe internet for kids box that connects to your home router wired or wirelessly. Once connected, it creates a separate WiFi which filters out age-inappropriate internet and helps you set screen time schedules for devices connected to this WiFi.

Happinetz continuously monitors more than 110 million websites and apps and is preconfigured to block more than 22 million adult and unsecured websites.

This post is a part of Happinetz - Safe Internet For Kids

ग़म, रिश्ते और मानसिक स्वास्थ्य

Written for Blogchatter's Cause A Chatter Initiative.

Image: Anthony Tran, Unsplash

ज़िन्दगी अगर कोई बहुत गहरा घाव दे जाए तो न सिर्फ ज़िन्दगी बल्कि इंसान भी बदल जाता है। और कभी-कभी रिश्ते भी।

कुछ ग़म ऐसे होते हैं जो ज़िन्दगी भर पीछा करते हैं और अपने आप को संभालने का सबका अपना तरीका होता है। और मेरे ख़्याल से हर तरीका सही ही होता है चाहे वो कितना ही मुख्त़लिफ़ क्यों न हो। किसी को अकेलापन काटने को दौड़ता है तो किसी को उसी अकेलेपन में सुकून मिलता है। कोई एक अपनी परेशानी ज़ाहिर कर देता है तो कोई व्यक्त नहीं कर पाता या व्यक्त नहीं करना चाहता।

क्या हो अगर एक घर में दो लोग हों, एक ही ग़म से जूझते हुए पर दोनों के अपने ग़मों को संभालने के तरीक़े मुख़्तलिफ़ हों? हो सकता है कि वो एक ही छत के नीचे अलग-थलग ज़िन्दगी गुज़ारने लगें क्योंकि बाज़ दफ़ा अपने ग़मों के बोझ तले दबकर हम दूसरों की मनःस्थिति समझने में नाकामयाब होते हैं। फिर होता यूं है कि रिश्तों में ग़लतफ़हमियां और दूरियां घर कर लेती हैं।

समझने की कोशिश करें। 

जब आप अपने मानसिक द्वंद में उलझे हों, तो दूसरों को समझना कभी-कभी थोड़ा मुश्किल हो जाता है। पर अगर एक रिश्ता आपके लिए मायने रखता है तो उस रिश्ते को संभालना उतना ही ज़रूरी होता है जितना अपने आप को। समझने की कोशिश करनी होती है, तब भी जब आप नहीं समझ सकते। जो आपके करीब है उसे अकेला नहीं छोड़ सकते। ऐसा कैसे हो सकता है कि जिसको आप अपने सबसे करीब समझते हैं उसे समझने की बिल्कुल कोशिश ना करें?

किसी का बात करने से मन हल्का होता है तो सुने।

कभी-कभी बहुत ज़्यादा कुछ नहीं करना होता। जब इंसान मानसिक उलझन में हो तो वो बस ये चाहता है कि उसे कोई सुने, बिना किसी जजमेंट के। हर दफ़ा ज़रूरी नहीं कि आपको कोई राय ही देनी हो या फिर रास्ता ही सुझाना हो। बस सुनना होता है। कभी कभी बस बोलकर मन का बोझ हल्का हो जाता है। कभी-कभी, बस पास रहना होता है। जैसे कि आपको परवाह है। जैसे आप समझ सकते हैं।परवाह और समझ का रिश्ता बहुत प्यारा होता है।

ख़्याल रखें

पर परवाह या कोई भी भावना एकतरफ़ा हो तो ज़्यादा दिनों तक नहीं चलती। आप दोनों एक ही मानसिक पीड़ा या द्वंद से गुज़र रहे हैं। अगर कोई आपको समझता है तो आपको भी कोशिश करनी होगी आप उसे समझें। सुनने में शायद लेन-देन वाला मामला लगे पर भावनाएं आमतौर पर इसी तरह काम करती हैं। अपेक्षा करना इंसानी फ़ितरत है। इसे आप एक दूसरे का ख़्याल रखना भी कह सकते हैं।

बहुत ज़्यादा अपेक्षा ना करें।

कोई रोना चाहता है, रोने दें। कोई रोता नहीं तो इसका मतलब ये नहीं कि वो संवेदनहीन है। और अगर किसी को अकेले रहने से सुकून मिलता है तो अकेला छोड़ दें। हर वक्त कोई आपके पास मौजूद रहे ये ज़रूरी नहीं।

हर रिश्ते में, चाहे वो कितना ही गहरा हो, स्पेस बेहद जरूरी है। और इसका हरगिज़ ये मतलब नहीं कि उस रिश्ते में कोई समस्या है।

अपनी (और अपनों के) शारीरिक और मानसिक सेहत का ख़्याल रखें। सेहत अच्छी ना हो तो कुछ अच्छा नहीं लगता।

Art Therapy

Written for Blogchatter's Cause a Chatter initiative.

Mental/emotional stress is more exhausting than physical tiredness.

Thankfully, there are certain things that help you relieve your mental stress. Everyone has a different way to deal with it (if you think nothing relieves your stress, you seriously need to rethink). 

In my previous Cause a Chatter post, I had talked about solitude. It works wonders for me. Another thing that distracts my mind is art. I am a self taught artist and I have started conducting painting workshops. For me, art has become like reading an engrossing book. When I'm reading an engrossing book, nothing distracts me. Similarly, when I am painting, I don't think about anything. Not even social media. Even when I am conducting my painting workshop, I'm so engrossed that I don't think about anything except the process and if the students are following the steps. The workshop continues for more than two hours (where I paint live, step-by-step), and even though I am not very talkative, I enjoy instructing the steps and answering questions.

Because Art is therapeutic. It teaches you to be calm and patient. Even therapists use this medium to interact with people who face anxiety and some mental/behavioural  disorders.

Art Therapy:  I came across this term a few days ago and found it intriguing. 

According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy is a kind of therapy that integrates mental health and human services by using “active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience.”

It's very important to understand that only Licensed professionals who are trained in both therapy can conduct these sessions.

According to Wikipedia, Art therapy can be used to help people improve cognitive and sensory motor function, self-esteem, self awareness, emotional resilience. It may also aid in resolving conflicts and reduce distress.

No wonder it works. Studies show that during the lockdown period, many people picked their paint brushes to deal with their anxiety and found solace in art. It's the best way to engage kids as well. Drawing or painting can calm the kids and make them sit still. Don't you think so?

Last week, I conducted an online painting workshop, the theme was waterfall. It's so satisfying to see them paint so beautifully. Sharing some lovely shots from my workshop. 

Rajashree

Saheli

Samarpita

Meetu

Shayonee (it's her first acrylic painting)

Also, it's fun to experiment with colour mixing. Shared two ways to mix teal colour in this video. You can watch when you have time.

Acrylic Colours: Two Ways to Mix Teal

https://youtu.be/aziT99yn35s

Sharing with Paint Party Friday

Stay well, stay calm.

Hello 2017! Resolutions? Well...

Hello! First of all, I wish you a very happy, serene and successful New Year!

I don't believe in luck, and 2017 started on a very familiar note - that I can never get lucky. No good things arrive on time. They pop in when they are insignificant. Thank you very much! I'm not surprised. Definitely not shattered.

Okay, now let's talk about New Year Resolutions. 

I found this amusing image on Kindle Facebook Page. Amusing, yes, but for me it's true. I never make any New Year resolution. I know I am going to fail if I bind myself to a long term strict resolutions. I believe in creating small, short term (sometimes, one day short) and realistic goals. And, for that, I don't wait for New Year. It works better for me. They are more achievable; hence makes you feel good and encourage you to do more.

I believe if you try to banish something completely, it makes you tired and restless. You keep thinking about that. So, instead of 'Do- Don't Do', I have made 'More This - Less That' list.

Weight loss is a Universal issue, and for me it's perpetual. I can't diet. I can't exercise regularly. So, I will choose something that's more achievable, less tiring. So, for my health and fitness, I have decided to drink More Water and eat Less sugar. Less Sitting, More Standing/Walking. Use More Colorful, Less White foods in our diet.

Writing is something I love, but these days I have found myself just procrastinating (It's a phase when I Don't Feel Like Writing. But I try to make this phase a little productive. You can read this post - 4 Productive Things To Do When You Don't Feel Like Writing). So, this year, it will be More Writing, Less Procrastination. I will write (and send out) queries. Will try to shape up those vague, disturbing ideas whirling in my always occupied mind.

Saw someone's update on Goodreads who read 500 books in 2016. I was like !!! How? I like to keep my reading goal small so that I can achieve it successfully, better if I surpass. Last year, my reading goal was 30 books. I read 34. Satisfying, however, my reading goal for 2017 is 36 books.

I am a borderline internet addict. Sometimes, it annoys me as I know it robs my time, but I can't resist. I have uninstalled all the apps from my mobile, but then there's Google Chrome, and guess what? I can always surf the Net - open whatever social media platform I want to. Now, I can't uninstall Google Chrome. I switch the Wi-Fi off after every usage, but then it's not difficult to switch it on. But, I have decided to be more determined this year. So, this year, it would be More Reading (Books), Less Internet Activity/Online Availability.

There is a thing that I can't achieve no matter how hard I try. Getting up early in the morning. With a doubtful heart, I hope it would be Less Late Nights, More Early Mornings.

Let's see how it goes. Do you believe in this "More This - Less That' concept? Or you make New Year Resolutions? What's your resolutions for 2017?


Sharing with BlogChatter

Book Review: I Am Big So What!? by Shuchi Kalra

It was an instant yes when Finger Print Publishers offered a review copy of I Am Big So What!? by Shuchi Kalra for an honest review. I have read the author's first book Done With Men, which is a novella in e-book format, and enjoyed. I was definitely looking forward to her next, and well, I am not disappointed.

The book asks: "Is it only in India where people don't realize that starting a conversation with "Oh! You've put on weight!" is incredibly rude?"

I am not sure about "Only India" but in India, it's, sadly, true!

This book is about Roli Kapoor, a freelance graphic designer and her struggle with her stubborn obesity. It's about her desire for true love. Her yearning for acceptance. "Why can't people love and respect her the way she is?" is a big question hovering around her.

After a painful break up with Ronit, that came without any explanation, Roli is all set to meet the suitor no. 7 as she decides to go for an arranged marriage (While she secretly wants Ronit back in her life). This suitor no. 7, Kabir, looks familiar. When the reason of this inexplicable familiarity dawns upon Roli, she feels shattered, yet again. From now on, her life is going to change, forever. Why? Who's this Kabir? And, why his presence affects Roli so much? What about Ronit? Will she ever embrace the true love of her life?

To know all these answers, you will have to read this book, and you'll enjoy unfolding these answers.

Although, the book is about an obese girl, it's good that the book promotes healthy lifestyle. It's even better that it doesn't show any magical changes in Roli's weight. It makes it real for the truth is that weight loss is a tough and slow process.

The language is neat as expected but a little modish, which I am not fan of. Maybe, it is intentional, keeping the young generation in mind. The narration is entertaining as ever. But sometimes, I felt that it was more telling than showing. Even though I am not fond of descriptive writing style, I wish it had a little more detailing of emotions and surroundings.

The book is written in first person, and it seems that someone is talking to you, which gives a nice feeling.

Considering the theme, book cover is apt, but I, personally, don't like real models on the novel covers. I would have liked it more if the figure was faceless as a representation of every girl who is battling against weight issues. Also, I didn't like the blurb on the back cover for it doesn't give any idea of the story, or protagonist or even the genre. So, it can be confusing for those readers who follow the blurb before grabbing any book.

The author has sketched the characters skilfully and the best thing is that 'every' character plays a significant role in the story. Roli is adorable. Kabir is likeable. Situations are relatable and convincing. I especially liked the second half of the book for it's gripping, and fast paced. I love those insightful "Buddha Moments" that come twice in Roli's life, and enlighten her.

Overall, it was a nice, enjoyable and entertaining read! If you are looking for a light interesting read, go grab it!

I thank the publisher for a review copy for an honest review.

4 reasons "Don't Diet" by Kavita Devgan will keep you motivated for weight loss

Cravings are natural, but it makes you eat more than necessary.

Kavita Devgan (Author and nutritionist), in her debut book “Don’t Diet: 50 Habits of Thin People”, says “If you can learn to ignore the urge, cravings typically last just 10 minutes”

Weight loss is all about motivation. But real success doesn't lie in getting motivated but it lies in staying motivated. And Don’t Diet by Kavita Devgan keeps you motivated. Sometimes, this book is a gentle reminder. Sometimes, it is informative and enlightening.

Here are 4 reasons this book will keep you motivated:

1. Author’s friendly voice:

The book is written in a light and assuring tone. Like a friend is suggesting something that you’d want to believe and follow. This 208 page (plus 31 page diary for maintaining personal weight loss targets) book never turns boring and preachy. The author skilfully manages to catch the vulnerability of the person on weight loss mission and provides practical solutions. The chapters are small with interesting titles and cute illustrations.

      2. The book asks you to go slow:

This book doesn’t force targets upon you. It assures, with some practical facts, that you should go slow and still you can achieve your goals. It asks you to exercise, of course, but suggests some easy to do work outs. There are 10 minute workout plans enclosed.

The author advocates changes in lifestyle, but plans slow changes in the form of daily, weekly, and monthly challenges. These changes won’t bother you much.

       3.  This book encourages you to eat your ‘Happy Diet’:

This book is against leaving your favourite foods that come to your plate every day. It tells you to eat guilt free but at the same time helps you to choose your food wisely. Warning comes in the form of calorie count chart that makes you realize how much you munch every now and then. The author has included some snacking options that fall under 100 calories.

       4. The author offers some interesting and innovative recipes that seem yum!

If you love cooking or experimenting with the recipes, this point can be the biggest motivation for you. Yes, the book carries 50 healthy and interesting recipes. Innovative recipes. Some I haven’t heard of. Maybe, they are results of author’s experiments. Beverages, snacks, meals, and even deserts!

I think it’s a must have for those who aim for losing weight/staying thin/maintaining healthy lifestyle! Go grab it and savour! If I have to find one negative thing about this book, it would be its price (INR 300). It may go a little heavy on your pocket.

I got this book from the author for an honest review. Since, this is not a fiction, I thought to do it differently (With the author's consent, of course). This is my first book based on health and fitness, and I’m glad I read it! Thank you, Kavita!