Power snacks for children during exams

Exam time means buckling down for hours with just a few short breaks.

As discussed in an earlier blog, exams are a stressful time for both children and parents. But right nutrition can help in improving concentration in studies. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that children are eating right during exams. Short and healthy snacks for time-outs are a must-have.

 

Here are a few nutritious yet easy-to-make snack ideas:

* Yogurt with sliced fruit or berries: Yogurt's protein combined with slow-burning sugars in fruits and berries ensures that your child's brain gets the right kind of nutrition.

* Five-ingredient Granola Bar: Oats, almonds, dates, peanut butter and honey together make a compact health boost for kids.

* Protein Dosa: Dosa made of Adai, or a combination of four dals, is as healthy as it can get. Rich in iron and protein, this Dosa is a great anytime snack

* Paneer wrap: Paneer (cottage cheese), cream cheese, lettuce, tomato and cucumbers wrapped in chapati. Top it up with some Soulfull's original flakes for an all-around solid and yummy snack.

*  Ragi fills: Soulfull's Ragi fills are not only high in protein and fiber but taste great too. You can serve it with cold milk, or serve it as a nutritious snack.

* Idli: Idli is another very healthy option for kids. Made out rice and lentils, Idli will keep the child feeling full for long.

* Smoothie: Use a combination of any of these ingredients: low-fat yogurt, frozen berries, fresh fruit (bananas, mango, pineapple), fruit juice and honey.

* Whole grain sandwich: Use peanut butter, cheese and veggies to create a larger snack that will slow burn all day. Throw in some Soulfull flakes for a better taste.

Extra sugary, carb-loaded foods such as cookies and chips may give kids a quick fix but the spike in energy will be short-lived, leaving the child feeling groggy and tired. It is not a good idea when your brain is already being challenged. Proteins, however, fuels the brain. Experts recommend loading up on lean proteins, healthy fats and whole grains for optimum clarity.

This blog is powered by Soulfull. Soulfull now lets you have the wholesome goodness of Ragi, every morning through its deliciously Healthy Breakfast Cereals, Idlis and Dosas! The easiest way to stock up on Soulfull's array of healthy breakfast products is by visiting the e-portal at www.soulfull.in.

International Women's Day: Celebrating working mothers

Motherhood is arguably the most challenging, stressful, fulfilling, glorious and important job in the world! Gone are the days when moms were home and kitchen bound. Women, now-a-days, not only handle home and a career but manage a complete overall personal growth. 

Due to this struggle of juggling home and career, many women, of late, have become a victim of obesity and poor fitness regime. Women face a lot of difficulties associated with their health due to lack of exercise and proper physical workouts.

Along with looking after the well-being of everyone else in the family, here are some useful tips which working mothers can use to stay healthy and fit:

* Store your house with healthy snacks and eat a full and healthy breakfast.

* Stay active throughout the day. Start the day with exercise and create an effective exercise pattern and include walking on treadmill, crunches etc. Also, chart the slow but effective progress. Do not overdo anything. 

* Reduce refined carbohydrate intake.

* Drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Dehydration leads to fatigue and weakness.

* Be happy. Laughing or just being happy releases hormones that help reduce stress hormones, cortisol.

* Every once in a while, take a break and pamper yourself in a spa or a beauty salon.

* A good night sleep is essential for the hectic day. A minimum of 6-8 hours is necessary.

Balancing between being a family person and a working woman is one of the most rewarding and exhausting jobs in the world. You are doing something or the other and are on duty 24*7, with no off weekends or sick days. It is easy to focus on kids and neglect yourself, but that is not good for either them or you. 

This blog is powered by Soulfull. Soulfull now lets you have the wholesome goodness of Ragi, every morning through its deliciously Healthy Breakfast Cereals, Idlis and Dosas! The easiest way to stock up on Soulfull's array of healthy breakfast products is by visiting the e-portal at www.soulfull.in.

Tips on exam-time nutrition for kids

When preparing for exams, good nutrition and health often slides down the priority list. It has been observed, that even the kids who usually eat healthy, end up eating a lot of junk food and drink pots of coffee to stay awake during exam time. 

The right food and drink can energise the child's system, improve alertness and sustain the child through long exam hours. 

Here's listing a few tried-and-tested tips to help children meet the required nutrition level during exams:

* Don’t let the child skip meals, specially breakfast. Start the day with a heavy and healthy breakfast.

* Keep the child hydrated but no caffeine. Water, juice, milk, buttermilk are the best and healthiest options.

* Time is of the essence during exams. Choose easy-to-make and healthy meals. Stick to frequent, small meals and include proteins in their diet.

* Make sure the child gets food which will help him/her in memory enhancement and stress-busting. Give him/her food that helps in increasing efficiency of the brain.

* Make sure the child gets enough sleep to be able to perform optimally during exams. 

Examination phase is equally stressful for both children and parents. But right eating and right nutrition can help to improve concentration in studies. Nutritionists recommend a high-fiber breakfast for individuals of all ages. Ragi is high in dietary fibre, and aids digestion and prevents over-eating. 

We recomend Soulfull's deliciously healthy breakfast options, from  an array of wholesome Ragi cereal that are plain to fruit flavoured Ragi cereal to exciting chocolate filled Ragi fills. These Ragi-based breakfast cereals from Soulfull, are a great way to keep your family healthy and happy.

This blog is powered by Soulfull. Soulfull now lets you have the wholesome goodness of Ragi, every morning through its deliciously Healthy Breakfast Cereals, Idlis and Dosas! The easiest way to stock up on Soulfull's array of healthy breakfast products is by visiting the e-portal at www.soulfull.in.