As the mercury rises children are said to be a lot better at handling the heat.But what we are forgetting is that with annual exams scheduled between March and April, this is the period when they have to work the most.
As the mercury rises children are said to be a lot better at handling the heat.But what we are forgetting is that with annual exams scheduled between March and April, this is the period when they have to work the most.
While physical exertions can be sorted with proper hydration and rest, the drain on mental faculties is something that is largely ignored. It’s not a co-incidence that hunger pangs are heightened during examinations. Do you constantly hear these wails,” Ma, I’m hungry!” or “There’s nothing to eat !” or better yet, "Why is there no food in the house?”. The statements get more dramatic as they get older.
But it is a real need that must be approached with emphasis placed on nutritional benefits. ‘Empty snacking’ or chomping on mindless calories will in no way help the child during this period. A bag full of chips devoured hungrily will only lead to lethargy and listlessness. As parents, we need to teach them to tackle the attack of the munch monsters by keeping a variety of healthy snacks on hand.
I know what you must be thinking. A lot of children fuss when plied with wholesome foods. So why not serve it in a manner that they find attractive. What will help keep their energy levels high and add nutrition is a combination of healthy carbs, nuts, dried fruits and other forms of protein. Drinking big glasses of hot milk will cause the digestive system to become sluggish in this heat. Buttermilk is a great supplement and it can be flavoured to be made either sweet or salty based on your child’s preferences. A variety of flavours can include, green chillies, ginger, curry leaves, almonds, pomegranate, mint, chaat masala, honey, sea salt etc. Also, curd tied up in a muslin cloth and hung can make for a delicious dip to be had with whole grain crackers or even khakra. It’s a much better option than heavy mayonnaise laden sandwiches that are high on preservatives. Ellu urandai, thaenga manga pattani, kadalai mittai are all wonderful snacking options.
What about biscuits or cookies? Children of all ages have an affinity towards that. Contrary to common perceptions, these popular snacks don’t have to be unhealthy. They can be loaded with goodness and are very easy to make.It’s a common practice at our home, during exams, to fill the cookie tins periodically with a variety of goodies made from oat and raisin to cranberry, almond and cocoa. We use only home made butter and natural sugars for all our cookies. No white sugar or maida is used at any point.
Hard cheeses, made locally, are available in our supermarkets. Choose either a cheddar, parmesan or gouda and these are just perfect when had in small quantities. The sharp flavour leads to satiation after a few bites. The processed cheeses are what can be harmful.
Frozen popsicles made out of seasonal fruit pulp like watermelons, ice apple or even green mango is also a tasty way to keep stomach rumblings quiet.It must be also kept in mind that these diverse range of snacks is for in-between meal time hunger and not a substitute for the traditional paruppu-saadham-idli-sambhar diet that we usually adhere to. So, it’s best kept to a small quantity at a time.
Let me share with you a few of our time tested recipes for a simple hung-curd dip along with one for a quick cookie batter. Talk to your kids, (ignore the sighs and rolling of the eyes) teach them that hard work must go alongside adequate sleep and proper nutrition.After all “mom knows best!”.
Recipe for a hung curd dip
Ingredients
Method
Recipe for a butter cookie
Ingredients
Method
While physical exertions can be sorted with proper hydration and rest, the drain on mental faculties is something that is largely ignored. It’s not a co-incidence that hunger pangs are heightened during examinations. Do you constantly hear these wails,” Ma, I’m hungry!” or “There’s nothing to eat !” or better yet, "Why is there no food in the house?”. The statements get more dramatic as they get older.
But it is a real need that must be approached with emphasis placed on nutritional benefits. ‘Empty snacking’ or chomping on mindless calories will in no way help the child during this period. A bag full of chips devoured hungrily will only lead to lethargy and listlessness. As parents, we need to teach them to tackle the attack of the munch monsters by keeping a variety of healthy snacks on hand.
I know what you must be thinking. A lot of children fuss when plied with wholesome foods. So why not serve it in a manner that they find attractive. What will help keep their energy levels high and add nutrition is a combination of healthy carbs, nuts, dried fruits and other forms of protein. Drinking big glasses of hot milk will cause the digestive system to become sluggish in this heat. Buttermilk is a great supplement and it can be flavoured to be made either sweet or salty based on your child’s preferences. A variety of flavours can include, green chillies, ginger, curry leaves, almonds, pomegranate, mint, chaat masala, honey, sea salt etc. Also, curd tied up in a muslin cloth and hung can make for a delicious dip to be had with whole grain crackers or even khakra. It’s a much better option than heavy mayonnaise laden sandwiches that are high on preservatives. Ellu urandai, thaenga manga pattani, kadalai mittai are all wonderful snacking options.
What about biscuits or cookies? Children of all ages have an affinity towards that. Contrary to common perceptions, these popular snacks don’t have to be unhealthy. They can be loaded with goodness and are very easy to make.It’s a common practice at our home, during exams, to fill the cookie tins periodically with a variety of goodies made from oat and raisin to cranberry, almond and cocoa. We use only home made butter and natural sugars for all our cookies. No white sugar or maida is used at any point.
Hard cheeses, made locally, are available in our supermarkets. Choose either a cheddar, parmesan or gouda and these are just perfect when had in small quantities. The sharp flavour leads to satiation after a few bites. The processed cheeses are what can be harmful.
Frozen popsicles made out of seasonal fruit pulp like watermelons, ice apple or even green mango is also a tasty way to keep stomach rumblings quiet.It must be also kept in mind that these diverse range of snacks is for in-between meal time hunger and not a substitute for the traditional paruppu-saadham-idli-sambhar diet that we usually adhere to. So, it’s best kept to a small quantity at a time.
Let me share with you a few of our time tested recipes for a simple hung-curd dip along with one for a quick cookie batter. Talk to your kids, (ignore the sighs and rolling of the eyes) teach them that hard work must go alongside adequate sleep and proper nutrition.After all “mom knows best!”.
Recipe for a hung curd dip
Ingredients
- Curd- 3 C (tied in a musli cloth and hung for a few hours until the water drains).
- Honey- 1 Tbsp.
- Salt to taste.
- Red chilli flakes-1 tsp or Green chillies- 2 small finely chopped.
- Spring onions-2 to 3 Tbsp, finely chopped.
- Mint leaves- 1-2 Tbsp (well washed and dried).
- Cucumber- 1 (grated and steamed).
Method
- Let the steamed cucumber cool well.
- Spoon the curd into a bowl,add the honey ,salt,chilli flakes,spring onions and mint leaves and mix well.
- Add the grated cucumber a little at a time and mix well.
- Chill for half an hour.
- Serve with millet crackers or any whole grain crackers or pappad.
Recipe for a butter cookie
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter-225 gms.
- Palm sugar powder (panam kalkandu podi)-110 gms.
- Whole wheat flour-200 gms (sifted).
- Millet flour-75 gms (sifted).
- Vanilla extract or grated lemon rind -1 tsp.
- Raisins or Chocolate chips-1/4 C.
- Almonds or walnuts-1/4 C chopped into bits.
Method
- Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees C.
- Grease 2 cookie trays or metal sheets with butter or oil.
- Place the butter in a deep bowl.
- Using an electric beater beat the butter until it is pale and creamy.
- Add the sugar slowly and beat well.
- Add any flavourings of your choice (given above).
- Mix with a rubber spatula.
- Add the flours a little at a time and gently mix using a folding action.Do not beat.
- Using 2 spoons or a cookie scoop drop small dollops on the greased tray.
- Place in the hot oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden.
- Let cool on wire rack before storing in an air-tight tin.