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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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...
Homemade Cadbury Mini Eggs – Naturally Sweetened & Dye-Free

Healthier Homemade Mini Eggs: A Clean, Wholesome Alternative to a Springtime Favorite

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Candy-coated mini eggs are a springtime staple—crispy, chocolatey, and just the right amount of sweetness. But like many seasonal candies, they’re packed with refined sugar, artificial colors, and ultra-processed ingredients that don’t support long-term health....
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,...
How to Make Crispy, Healthy Potato Chips at Home

Homemade Potato Chips: A Healthier, Easy Alternative to Ultra-Processed Snacks

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Let’s be honest—kids love chips. That satisfying crunch, the salty, savory goodness—it’s hard to resist! But as a pediatrician and advocate for culinary medicine, I often remind parents that the foods we crave don’t have...
Plant-Based Living for Kids: A Montessori Approach

The Montessori Mom’s Survival Guide to Plant-Based Living

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

Kids are picky. That’s just part of the deal. One day they love tofu, the next day they act like it’s awful. But feeding kids on a plant-based diet doesn’t have to mean endless fights...
How to Soak & Cook Beans and Lentils for Easy, Healthy Meals

Soaking Beans and Lentils: The Easiest, Cheapest Way to Add Plant-Based Protein to Your Meals

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

When you’re a busy parent, you need meals that are healthy, affordable, and fast—but that doesn’t mean you have to rely on processed foods or expensive protein sources. Enter one of the best-kept secrets of...
Family Mealtime: A Simple Habit with Big Benefits

The Importance of Family Mealtime

By Dr. Manasa Mantravadi

We’re kicking off National Nutrition Month by talking about the importance of family mealtime. A busy dinner table brings a certain magic. Sitting at my childhood kitchen table, I still remember the way our family...

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