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.

Book Review: Closer to Okay by Amy Watson

Book: Closer to Okay
Author: Amy Watson

Publisher: Alcove Press
Source: Netgalley

Kyle, a trained pastry chef, is battling her depression and after her fateful suicide attempt, she is living in Hope House, a mental institution, under strict rules and regulations, as she is trying to get better. The window sill of her room is her favourite corner as it overlooks a coffee shop, The Coffee Shop, located right across the street. 
Jamie and Jackson run this coffee shop. Watching them work expertly in their coffee shop brings solace. While Jamie is jovial, always smiling, Jackson dons an intense, unsmiling visage, which attracts Kyle. 

When she gets her off-site privilege, she visits the cafe and meets them in person, finally. She befriends Jamie instantly but it takes some time before Kyle and Jackson bond.

As their friendship burgeons, so many things happen in Hope House and Jackson's personal life. As much as they grow fond of each other, it's not going to be easy. 

Closer to Okay is basically a sweet and sensible love story with a backdrop of mental health. I am not a mental health expert but I felt this subject has been handled thoughtfully. 

I really like the writing style. It's engaging and helped me connect with the story and characters instantly. The story is told in the first person from Kyle's point of view. The narration is slow paced but it doesn't disrupt the flow of the story; in fact it creates a cosy ambience (and I am a very impatient reader). 

The characters are interesting, with their own important roles. Kyle is so sweet. The author has expressed her emotions, dilemma and troubles really well. I really liked Jackson. He is really nice, understanding but a little flawed at the same time. It makes him real. Both Kyle and Jackson have their own past and personal lives and the author has used it very smartly. It tells a lot about their feelings and behaviour but it's not too much to distract the reader from the main plot. 

There are several twists and turns; they aren't over the top but they are capable enough to keep the readers interested.

I liked the setting: I love the coffee shop setting (in general, I find it fascinating!). And Hope House, the mental institution, is an unusual setting. It was sad and heartbreaking at times but it has been handled well. Food description is a bonus.

Just two things bothered me:

I understand the need to tell the story from Kyle's point of view but I really felt that the story demanded Jackson's point of view once in a while. 

The ending seemed a bit abrupt. I won't say it was unsatisfying but it would have been nice if there was a short epilogue (even though I am not a fan of prologue/epilogue). 

Overall, I really liked this book. 

Thank you, Netgalley.

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.

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!

No Pimples, No Marks

After a long tiring day, Meera returned from her office. The moment she entered the house, her beautiful step mother shouted. "You have been rejected, again."

It was not unusual. Yesterday, the prospective groom, Ajay Malhotra, arrived with his family to see her. Just, they were too quick to respond.

"What's my fault if boys doesn't find me attractive?" Meera said, trying hard to hide her annoyance.

"Go, look at your face. I'm tired of this fuss." Her step-mother said, and then murmured something that Meera couldn't hear as she headed towards her room.

Strange! Everyone knew that Meera was an educated, well-mannered, good-natured girl, still people judged her by her looks.

Meera splashed cold water over her face and looked herself in the mirror. One of her pimples was bleeding. "Can pimple be a put off? Is it making me less attractive? Maybe people fail to see real me because of this jungle." Meera thought.

Next day, while returning from the office, she remembered that she had to buy a cough syrup for her brother. She entered a medical store. While waiting for the storekeeper to attend her, she spotted Garnier Pure Active Neem facewash.

The word neem reminded her of her childhood and her grandma. There was a neem tree in front of her ancestral home. Her grandma used to call her for a homemade besan and neem facepack. She would tell her about the amazing benefits of neem. While her cousins happily encircled grandma, Meera would make faces and run away.

The storekeeper brought the medicine and handed her the bill. Meera left her memories back. "Give me that Garnier Pure Active Neem facewash." She said.

After few days, she noticed the positive effect of her skin. Her skin looked clean and she felt really good. She started to get compliments. One day, while waiting at the bus stop she saw a man, who looked very familiar. Yes! He was the same man who came to see her just few days back, and rejected her. Ajay Malhotra. She averted her glance.

After a while, he approached her. "Waiting for the bus?" He said.

"I think it's a bus stop." Meera replied. He smiled sheepishly.

"Come, I'll drop you." He said.

"No, thanks. My bus has already arrived. Thanks by the way." Meera said and left.

After two days, Kamala, who arranged marriages, came to Meera's house unexpectedly. "There is a message from Malhotra's, you know the last alliance..." Kamala said to Meera's step-mother while sipping tea. "Ajay is ready to marry your Meera..."

"But, I am not ready!" Meera interrupted.

"But why?" Her mother shouted.

"Because, I don't want another pimple in my life. No Pimples, No Marks." Meera smiled and left for the office. Life seemed so fresh!


This post is written for Indiblogger Garnier Pure Active Neem Contest in association with Garnier.

Cooking Goals

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I am not fond of cooking. But being a wife and a mother, it's nearly impossible to stay away from kitchen. I have realized that cooking special meals is interesting and now I look for interesting (Read quick:)) and nutritious recipes. I fondly watch Mother's Care and Health Challenge on Khana Khazana and Food Food respectively. And some shows on Fox Life Channel.

There is a good thing about my cooking that whenever or whatever I cook or try to cook generally turns out well. I make really nice Shahi Paneer, Kadhi, Samosa, Gulab Jamun, Palak Paneer, Chaat, Bread Pakora, and Pao Bhaaji. Recently, one of my friends shared her recipe of (Healthier version of) Dahi Bhalle and I made it successfully!

I so wanted to learn Dosa and Sambhar as I love South Indian food. But every time I tried it, it would taste like any other dal that smelled like sambhar (Of course due to sambhar masala and curry leaves). I have a tendency to compare my dishes with restaurant made foods.

Recently, I saw a post on Facebook by Saru Singhal in which she said that she successfully completed the challenge of 30 days 30 different breakfast recipes. It was amazing! I casually asked her about sharing recipes and she was so kind to response with those recipes. I am so thankful to her that she is taking trouble to writing those recipes (That I wanted) for me. Looking forward to Thepla and Dhokla. Utthapam turned out really well. I am planning to make dosa and sambhar. I hope it turns out well.

And now, my cooking goals are Pizza and Cakes.  Anyone reading this? Please share your interesting and different recipes and tips and tricks to make regular meals interesting.



Sharing with ABC Wednesday

Summer Delights!

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When the scorching heat of summer hits us mercilessly, we think of splashes of water, a cold shower, ice-creams, soothing breeze, cold drinks and so on.

Apart from these lovely things there are some delights that cannot be avoided in summers. These are the essence of summer. Satisfy your eating pleasure. Improve appetite. Above all they are good for health and help you stay fit.

Mangoes:

King of fruits. Sweet smelling. Juicy. Yummy. Mangoes are the soul of summer. Everyone loves mango pickles. Apart from being tasty, it has some health benefits also. According to some research, it prevents leukemia, breast and prostate cancer. It is rich in fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. Good for skin. But, be in control. Overeating can make you look plump after summers! :)

Watermelons:

Famous writer Mark Twain had said: "When one has tasted watermelon, he knows what angels eat."

It’s actually fun and soothing to have the pieces of bright watermelons in summer afternoons. But it’s not only fun fruit but it is packed with nutrition. They are rich in Vitamin A B and C. Filled with a lot of water; they act as cooling agent and can beat the heat in summers. It has a red pigment lycopene, which is good for skin. It can quench your thirst and fill your stomach without adding calories.

Muskmelons:

They are full of water contents, dietary fibers, vitamin A and C, folic acid and potassium. They are low in calories and excellent for those who want to lose weight. They help in maintaining good skin and blood pressure. In summers it’s a great snack for in-between-mealtime hunger.

Cucumber:

It’s refreshing to add fresh cucumber in your meals. Its peel is rich in insoluble fiber that prevents constipation. It’s 'very' low in calories and filling thus you can have it to satisfy your in-between-mealtime hunger without worrying about your diet. It’s good for vision, teeth & gums and skin. It’s packed with water content so it keeps you hydrated in summers.

Mint leaves:

Aroma of mint is refreshing and very familiar in summers whenever you visit vegetable market. It’s a cooling agent and helps you fighting with heat. It’s good to have when anyone suffers from headache, stomach ache and indigestion. It can prevent nose and gum bleeding due to excessive heat in summers. It can act as mouth freshener. It can be taken as mint juice, mint leaf herbal tea or chatpata chatni.

Yogurt:

In summers, we must add yogurt in our meals. It prevents indigestion and is good for skin. It makes you feel fuller without adding bundles of calories thus helps you to lose weight. It acts as soothing and cleansing element for our body and loaded with calcium and vitamins. It helps you maintain blood pressure and cholesterol. It is good for hair. Raita makes the meals interesting. Isn't it?

Nariyal Paani:

In our country, coconut has auspicious value. Tender coconut water is rich in electrolytes. It's very refreshing and has moderate sugar content i.e. low in calories, so, it could be an excellent alternative to other cold drinks in summers. It is good for skin and hair and helps in weight loss. It keeps the body hydrated and prevents urinal infections. 

Gulp down Nariyal paani when you feel tired in summers. It gives you instant energy!

Water:

Water is the elixir of life. You might have heard the dialogue of the movie “Jab We Met” ‘soda cola sab apni jagah par paani ka kaam paani ki karta hai’ How true! No matter what you drink, only water can quench your thirst completely. It keeps you hydrated and flushes out the toxin from your body. Makes your skin glowing. Good for hairs. It improves your excretory system. Helps you lose weight. It’s a great stress buster. And what not? Now we use refrigerator for chilled water in summers but how fascinating it was to use ghara/matka or pitchers! Water can do wonders, so have plenty of water in summer to stay stress free, energized, glowing and fit.