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...
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...

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