AHIMSA BLOG

The Pediatrician Kitchen

Dr. M empowers parents and kids to blend the joy of cooking with the science of medicine to create a recipe for good health. Let her be your expert guide to making mealtime more mindful with tips, recipes, activities and more!

The Pediatrician Kitchen

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Healthy Breakfast Burrito with Spinach & Beans

Recycling Your Taco Tuesday Beans! Try This Easy, Protein-Packed Breakfast Burrito

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

As a busy pediatrician and mom of three, I know firsthand how crazy weekday mornings can be. Between packing lunches, getting kids out the door, and squeezing in early meetings, breakfast can feel like an...
How One Doctor’s Mission for Safer Plates Took Off

The Hidden Dangers of Black Plastic in Your Kitchen and What to Use Instead

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

There was a moment — not dramatic, not anything worth a headline — that stopped me cold. I was unloading the dishwasher and grabbed one of those shiny black plastic serving spoons from the top...
3 Easy Ways to Add More Spinach to Family Meals

From Smoothies to Curries: 3 Tasty Ways to Eat More Spinach

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables, packed with iron, vitamins, and antioxidants—yet many of us struggle to use it before it wilts in the fridge. Instead of letting this powerhouse green go to...
teaching independence at meal time

A Pediatrician’s Tips for Teaching Mealtime Independence

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Research suggests there are benefits to including chores in a child's daily routine as early as age 3. These include executive function skills like self-control, planning, creative thinking and organizational abilities. These skills can help children deal with frustration and...
starting solid food

The next 6 months: The food adventure and introducing solids!

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

While this is a fun, new adventure, remember that even after starting solids, primary nutrition will be from breast milk or formula in the first year of life. No cow’s milk or juice yet either,...
Healthy Veggie & Tofu Stir-Fry Recipe for Busy Families

Wok Wednesday: A Quick, Healthy Stir-Fry Recipe That Invests in Your Kids’ Future

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

As a pediatrician specializing in culinary medicine—and a parent—I believe mealtime can be a powerful way to invest in your child’s health and well-being. Cooking at home isn’t just about making healthy food; it’s about...
Quick & Healthy Kids’ Breakfast in 5 Minutes

The 5-Minute Breakfast to Ditch the Cereal Box and Start Your Kids’ Day Right

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

As a pediatrician specializing in culinary medicine—and a mom—I know how busy mornings can be. It’s so tempting to reach for the cereal box and pour a quick bowl with milk. While convenient, many cereals...
Valentines gifts for kids | Parent and Child with Gifted Ahimsa Set

The Secret Life of Little Kid Plates That Make Every Bite a Big Deal

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

A kid’s plate isn’t just a plate. It’s the launchpad for tiny hands learning to scoop, the stage for the day’s most dramatic negotiations (“Three more bites and then you’re done”), and sometimes, the battlefield...
How One Doctor’s Mission for Safer Plates Took Off

How One Pediatrician’s Mission to Protect Kids’ Health Started with a Dinner Plate

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

If you've ever had your mom catch you doing something she strongly disapproves of, you'll understand exactly what I felt when mine walked into my kitchen. Hands on her hips, shaking her head—she was staring...

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