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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Smart Snack Swaps to Ditch Ultra-Processed Chips

Smart Swaps for Chips: A Pediatrician Mom’s Guide to Reducing Ultra-Processed Foods in After-School Snacks

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

As a pediatrician and mom of three, I understand the daily struggle of feeding hungry kids after school. They come home starving, and the easiest thing to do is grab whatever is quick and convenient....
Why Stainless Steel Matters This Earth Day

Earth Day: Why the Switch to Stainless Steel Makes an Impact

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Every Earth Day, my mind goes straight back to a sunny afternoon in our backyard, all of us crowded around a tiny sapling. My kids took turns digging the hole, their hands and faces streaked...
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...
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...
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...
Homemade Mini Eggs – Naturally Sweetened & Dye-Free

Banana Sushi: The 5-Minute After School Snack That Fuels Kids for Play & Learning

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

As a pediatrician, I always remind parents that food is medicine—but that doesn’t mean it has to be boring or complicated. When kids get home from school, they’re hungry and looking for something fun—but as...
DIY Home Cleaning Products: Natural Solutions for Kitchens

Natural and Safe DIY Kitchen Cleaning Products For Your Family

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

The kitchen is the heart of the home and it’s also a magnet for messes. Sticky fingerprints, mystery stains, crumbs & spills show up daily. Cleaning up becomes part of the routine, yet most store-bought...

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