Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Highlighting the alarming rise in diabetes among school children, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has directed all affiliated schools to set up ‘Sugar Boards’ to control sugar intake and promote healthier food habits. This initiative aims to protect children from obesity, type-2 diabetes and other lifestyle-related diseases.
Renowned dietician and national executive member of the Indian Dietetic Association, Dr Preeti Shukla, conducted an awareness session at schools in Indore. She emphasised that nutrition management is only possible when nutrition is given more importance than taste, both in children’s and adults’ diets.
She warned that increasing consumption of junk food and processed snacks is harming children’s physical and cognitive development and stressed the need for parents to change their eating habits, as children quickly imitate them. “Healthy habits formed in childhood shape a healthier future,” she concluded.
Actionable tips for better nutrition
Ensure children never go to school on an empty stomach
Encourage eating all types of school meals
Offer healthy homemade snacks like paneer sandwiches or sprout chaat and prefer traditional Indian thali at dinner
Limit screen time and encourage daily physical activity such as yoga or cycling
National executive member of Indian Dietetic Association, Dr Preeti Shukla said, Children in India consume 17% of their total calories from sugar, while the recommended limit is just 5%. Increasing consumption of junk food and processed snacks is harming children’s physical and cognitive development. A balanced diet is like fuel for the body. When given in the right quantity, the body functions properly.
