My child's growth: A challenge that I overcame!

Jerry was a very active child but very thin and lanky too... nothing like the healthy, plump children you see in TV commercials or print ads. I remember my in-laws and parents always complaining about how "light" weight he was – to the extent that we were almost forced to take Jerry to two different paediatricians for their view on why our son was so thin! Both the doctors sent us back with a stern message that as if he ate balanced meals and was active we needn't worry. However, mothers are mothers and we always worry about our children and to top it all, the family pressure never ceases when it comes to the grand child's physical appearance!

So Nakul (my husband) and I patiently kept our calm with our respective families for a few months and then we decided to take matters in our own hands. The first challenge we overcame was: "No stress" – as long as Jerry ate balanced home cooked food (at least 2 rotis, katori of dal and katori of subzi with salad), was physically active and mentally alert! We realised that our stress was only going to create a tense environment at home – and we intended to do just the opposite, that is to make meal times fun and relaxed for everyone. We also put into place some non-negotiable changes in habit and lifestyle… Here’s a peep into what we did:
 

1. Eating habits: Home cooked meals to include all vegetables (except Karela!). His plate would always include carbohydrates (rice, roti, bread, pasta), fats (ghee, butter, olive oil), protein (eggs, chicken, fish, paneer, daal, spinach) and dairy (milk, yogurt, buttermilk). Fortunately, in class Jerry's teacher was exposing the concept of a balanced meal to him and he latched onto it. Jerry now like to serve himself (he's 8 now), but he still follows the balanced meal concept.

2.  Full sleep: I’ve always been very strict about Jerry’s sleep timings. I make sure he is in bed by 7:30-8 pm. Read a book for about 20 minutes and sleep by 8:30. That's the outer, outer limit! On weekends and holidays, he can take half hour extra but that's about it. My reason for being so strict with the timing is that I had read an article once that was backed by scientific research that children grow better when they adequate hours of sleep.
 

3. Outdoor play: I've always been athletic and even now I run 4 km daily and gym 5 days a week. So fitness comes naturally to my children as well. I reserve 1-2 hours of outdoor play/sports for them every day.
 

4.  Growth supplements: Milk is an important part of a child’s diet. However, the type of milk top-up you choose determines the nutrition that gets absorbed. Growth plus from Horlicks has essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals along with whey protein which helps the child grow well without making the child obese. So I always put 3 scoops of this growth supplement and then breathe easy knowing that he has got all the essential nutrients that his growing body requires at this stage.
 

Over the years, I have realised how true is the adage – “what you eat is what you are” and it is my mission statement when it comes to me and my family. Eating right and eating healthy – that’s the key of life.

Disclaimer: The views, opinions and recommendations expressed in this article are solely those of the author and intended as an educational aid. This is an awareness drive powered by Horlicks Growth Plus to help your child catch up on lost growth. Horlicks Growth plus is clinically proven to show visible signs of growth in six months. You are encouraged to obtain professional advice concerning specific health / medical matters.