Diet Plan

Diet in the Northern Indian Tradition: Ages 1-5

Kid 1 - 5
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Northern Indian-style diet plan for a child aged 1 to 5 years. The cuisine in Northern India is rich in flavors and includes dishes like roti, dal, vegetables, and dairy products. Remember to adjust portion sizes and food choices based on your child’s preferences and dietary needs.

Day 1:

Breakfast (8:00 AM):

  • Suji (semolina) porridge cooked with milk and a pinch of saffron
  • Small pieces of paratha with ghee (clarified butter)

Mid-Morning Snack (10:30 AM):

  • Small banana or a few raisins

Lunch (12:30 PM):

  • Soft roti with dal (lentil curry) and a bit of ghee
  • Mixed vegetable sabzi (lightly spiced and finely chopped vegetables)
  • A small serving of yogurt

Afternoon Snack (3:00 PM):

  • Boiled potato slices with a sprinkle of chaat masala

Dinner (6:00 PM):

  • Rice with khichdi (lentil and rice porridge)
  • Mashed paneer (cottage cheese) with a touch of mild spices

Day 2:

Breakfast (8:00 AM):

  • Poha (flattened rice) cooked with vegetables and a dash of lemon
  • Small pieces of whole wheat bread with butter or jam

Mid-Morning Snack (10:30 AM):

  • Small pieces of ripe papaya

Lunch (12:30 PM):

  • Roti with rajma (kidney bean curry)
  • Cucumber and tomato salad
  • A small serving of yogurt

Afternoon Snack (3:00 PM):

  • Soft idli with a small amount of coconut chutney

Dinner (6:00 PM):

  • Vegetable pulao (rice dish with mixed vegetables)
  • Paneer tikka (soft paneer pieces marinated and lightly grilled)

Day 3:

Breakfast (8:00 AM):

  • Kheer (rice pudding) cooked with milk and a touch of cardamom
  • Slices of banana or apple

Mid-Morning Snack (10:30 AM):

  • Small cubes of cheese

Lunch (12:30 PM):

  • Roti with aloo methi (potato and fenugreek leaves) sabzi
  • Moong dal (mung bean) tadka
  • A small serving of yogurt

Afternoon Snack (3:00 PM):

  • Homemade carrot and peas cutlets

Dinner (6:00 PM):

  • Rice with simple turmeric and ghee tadka
  • Mashed dal (lentils)

Day 4:

Breakfast (8:00 AM):

  • Soft chapati with a small amount of ghee and jaggery

Mid-Morning Snack (10:30 AM):

  • Pieces of orange or segments of sweet lime

Lunch (12:30 PM):

  • Roti with mixed dal (lentil) curry
  • Palak (spinach) puree

Afternoon Snack (3:00 PM):

  • Paneer cubes or cheese sticks

Dinner (6:00 PM):

  • Rice with baingan bharta (roasted eggplant curry)

Day 5:

Breakfast (8:00 AM):

  • Mashed bananas mixed with a bit of yogurt

Mid-Morning Snack (10:30 AM):

  • Small pieces of watermelon

Lunch (12:30 PM):

  • Roti with aloo gobi (potato and cauliflower) sabzi
  • Mashed masoor dal (red lentil)

Afternoon Snack (3:00 PM):

  • Mini vegetable uttapam (small savory pancakes)

Dinner (6:00 PM):

  • Rice with mixed vegetable khichdi (lentil and rice porridge)

Remember, the diet plan should be adapted to your child’s tastes, preferences, and any allergies or sensitivities they may have. Pay attention to their growth and energy levels, and consult with a pediatrician or a registered dietitian for guidance if needed.