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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kids eating with stainless steel plates

New microplastics research: what it means for kids

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

A pediatrician explains what the latest 2026 microplastics research means for your child’s health — and the mealtime swaps that reduce exposure.
kids eating with stainless steel plates

Why Kids Eat Better at Daycare Than at Home (And How to Recreate the Calm)

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Why do kids eat better at daycare than at home? A pediatrician explains how structure, rhythm and calm routines support appetite—and how to recreate it at home.
protein pasta bowl

The Repeatable Protein Pasta Bowl: A Low-Stress Dinner That Actually Works

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

A pediatrician shares a simple protein pasta bowl kids actually eat—designed to reduce dinner stress while supporting growth and steady energy.
kids eating with stainless steel plates

Why Toddlers Suddenly Become Picky Eaters (And Why It’s a Healthy Phase)

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Why do toddlers become picky eaters? A pediatrician explains what’s normal, why this phase happens and how to support healthy eating without pressure.
kids eating with stainless steel plates

Plastic Detox for Families: A Pediatrician’s Guide to Reducing Plastic at Mealtime

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Concerned about plastic exposure after watching Plastic Detox? A pediatrician explains how families can reduce plastic where it matters most—mealtime—with simple, practical swaps.
apple + nut butter

Apple + Nut Butter: Snacks that Keep Kids Full

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Looking for snacks that keep kids full? This simple apple + nut butter pairing slows digestion and reduces grazing — right up until dinner.
breakfast on stainless steel divided plate

The Same Breakfast Every Day? Why Repetition Can Be a Healthy System for Kids

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Is it bad if kids eat the same breakfast every day? A pediatrician explains why repetition can support nutrition, reduce stress and help kids eat better.
child with plastic on plate

Microplastics & Early-Life Exposure

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Microplastics have been detected in blood and placental tissue—but what does that mean for babies and kids? A pediatrician explains what science knows, what’s still emerging and the simple habits families can use to reduce...
child eating with stainless steel dishes

Snacks vs. Grazing: How Many Snacks Do Kids Really Need Each Day?

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

How many snacks do kids really need? A pediatrician explains snack timing, grazing, hunger cues and how simple structure supports calmer, healthier meals.

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