#asktheexperts my daughter she don't drink milk and she's always shouting and crying when she's hungry ,sleepy she became more fussy what diet should I follow for her so that her nutritional requirements are fulfilled

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Accepted Answer

A balanced Indian diet for a 3-year-old child should include a variety of foods from different food groups. Here's a basic guide:

1. **Grains**: Offer whole grains like rice, wheat, oats, or millets in the form of chapatis, dosas, idlis, or rice. Include a variety for nutritional diversity.

2. **Vegetables**: Serve a mix of colorful vegetables like carrots, spinach, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, and cauliflower. Make them appealing by steaming, boiling, or making into soups or stews.

3. **Fruits**: Offer a variety of fruits like bananas, apples, oranges, papayas, and mangoes. Cut them into small, child-friendly pieces for easy eating.

4. **Proteins**: Include sources like lentils, beans, chickpeas, and paneer (cottage cheese) in their meals. You can make dishes like dal, chole, or paneer curry.

5. **Dairy**: Offer milk, yogurt, or cheese for calcium and protein. Choose whole milk until the age of two, and then switch to low-fat or skim milk gradually.

6. **Healthy Fats**: Include sources like ghee, butter, or vegetable oils in moderation for healthy brain development.

7. **Fluids**: Ensure the child drinks plenty of water throughout the day. You can also offer fruit juices (in moderation) or homemade soups.

8. **Snacks**: Offer healthy snacks like fruit slices, vegetable sticks with hummus, or homemade snacks like poha, upma, or idlis.

9. **Limit Sugary and Processed Foods**: Minimize the intake of sugary snacks, candies, and processed foods like chips and cookies.

Remember to keep portion sizes appropriate for their age and avoid foods that are choking hazards. Also, consult with a pediatrician for personalized advice based on your child's specific dietary needs and preferences.