When you have ever tried to feed millets to your children you might easily understand how challenging it is to do so; the doubtful glare, the reluctant first bite. But don’t worry! You can also add some varieties of a couple of millets into the diet of your child without him or her noticing it and this is easy with a little creativity.
Millets are small nutritional powerhouse foods - gluten-free, high in fiber, full of minerals, and appropriate to growing kids. We will discuss ways of introducing millets to children in engaging and tasty forms and we will get to know about the varieties of millets and their advantages.
Know the Types of Millets and Their Benefits
Before we sneak them into meals, let’s quickly understand the different types of millets and what makes them so special:
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Finger Millet (Ragi): Strengthens bones and healthy brain builders -high in calcium and iron.
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Foxtail Millet: Assists in energy and digestion.
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Pearl Millet (Bajra): Strengthens immunity and makes kids fuller longer.
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Little Millet: Healthy gut, energizing.
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Brown Top Millet: It is one of the most healthy types of millet which is rich in fiber, antioxidants and also it detoxifies the human body.
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Barnyard Millet: Maintains normal blood sugar levels and is simple to digest.
Rotating between such kinds of millets, you will be able to provide a child with a balanced and wholesome diet that is full of nutrients.
Start Small with Familiar Foods
Kids are choosy, and the trick to this is disguise and recognition. You do not have to make them change their favorite meals overnight, you only have to make slight alterations.
Millet substitutes: These are simple swaps that are simple to make:
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Millet noodles, as opposed to regular instant noodles. They are similar in what they look like and what they taste but are much healthier.
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Replacing pancakes, muffins, or dosas with millet flour means the nutrition is drawn in, without changing the flavor significantly.
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Substitute some rice in their meals with brown top millet - it is good mixed with foods such as fried rice or pulao.
Make Millet Snacks Fun and Tasty
Snacks are the easiest way to introduce millets without a fuss. Think crunchy, sweet, and colorful — things kids love!
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Millet cookies: Cook millet cookies (millet flour, such as ragi or foxtail millet). You can add chocolate chips, dry fruits or nuts as optional flavouring.
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Millet laddoos or bars: Roast millets, mix with jaggery, nuts, a healthy substitute of chocolates or stored snacks.
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Millet puffs: Crispy and light, and ideal on school tiffins.
Try Comfort Foods with a Millet Twist
Comfort foods make kids feel safe and satisfied. So, give their favorites a nutritious upgrade!
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Millet khichdi: Take Thrive Millet Khichdi mix, and mix, ghee, mild spices, and vegetables - it is a tasty, soft, and easy to digest dish.
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Millet porridge: It is a hot, milk-based breakfast that is prepared with jaggery, foxtail millet, or ragi.
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Millet pancakes: You can add banana or cocoa to make it sweet, your children can never know they eat millets!
Make it a Family Affair
Kids imitate what they see. When they see you eating millet foods, they will find it easier to follow. Deliver foods made of millet to everyone, dinner of millet noodles, dinner dessert of millet cookies, lunch of brown top millet khichdi, etc., but do it in a way that makes it seem fun and exciting instead of healthy.
You may even engage them in cooking - you may allow them to mould millet cookies or stir the khichdi. The greater their involvement, the more they will be willing to give it a trial.
Keep It Gradual and Creative
Don’t rush. Start with 1-millet dish per week, then gradually add variety. Games with colors and names — name it Superhero Khichdi or Energy Cookies. The issue of presentation is significant when it comes to children!
Overall Summary
There is no need to fight when introducing millets to children. They can be converted into millet lovers within a short time with patience, creativity and little smart swaps. Millet noodles to millet cookies and brown top millet khichdi are just some of the many delicious ways to bring your child the nutrition they require, yet even they do not realize the difference.