Bharti Singh Champions Traditional Indian Cuisine for Children's Lunchboxes
Popular comedian and television host Bharti Singh has sparked a fresh conversation about children's nutrition by passionately advocating for home-cooked, traditional Indian food in school lunchboxes. In recent podcast appearances, Singh emphasized the importance of instilling healthy eating habits from an early age, contrasting her approach with what she observes as a trend toward processed or Western-style foods among some parents.
Revealing Her Son's Traditional Diet
Bharti Singh shared detailed insights into her own parenting approach, revealing that her young son enjoys a strictly traditional Indian diet. "My nanny sometimes tells me that parents send cupcakes, pasta, or noodles in lunchboxes. My child gets paratha, vegetables, dry fruits, and fresh fruits, which the teacher greatly appreciates," Singh explained during a conversation with actor Debina Bonnerjee.
She elaborated further in another interview, stating, "I have made every effort to keep my child connected to desi food because I am not that avocado and mashed potato type of mother. I am completely the dal chawal, aloo sabzi, mango pickle, and chutney kind of mother." Singh believes that while children from newer generations will eventually explore diverse foods, establishing a foundation of home-cooked meals is crucial.
No Bread Yet: A Conscious Parenting Choice
In a surprising revelation, Bharti Singh disclosed that her son has never eaten bread. "He has not eaten bread until now. Bread has not been introduced yet, though I feel someone will give that soon," she mentioned, highlighting her deliberate approach to food introduction. She draws inspiration from her own mother's practices, sharing meals with her son when possible and maintaining traditional eating patterns.
Singh connected this choice to her professional life, noting, "I believe that if I can host an 18-hour show with desi food and without mashed potatoes, then my son can too. He eats dal chawal, roti, paratha—he eats everything."
Addressing Food Waste and Modern Parenting
The comedian also touched upon the issue of food waste, sharing personal practices that reflect her values. "I don't waste my food. Harsh used to do that...which I have made him reduce. I pack extra food from restaurants if there's any left. I have no shame in admitting it," she stated firmly. This approach extends her philosophy of mindful consumption beyond just children's nutrition.
Singh's comments specifically target what she calls "modern moms," urging them to prioritize home-cooked Indian meals initially. "I want to say that new moms, modern moms, should try to make children eat home food initially. These are all Gen Z, Gen Alpha...later they will anyway eat pizzas," she remarked, suggesting that early exposure to traditional foods creates lasting healthy habits.
Nutritional Perspective on Traditional Indian Diets
While Bharti Singh's approach highlights the benefits of culturally appropriate nutrition, experts note important considerations. Consultant dietician Kanikka Malhotra commented, "Bharti Singh's tiffin approach demonstrates a strong foundation in home-cooked meals that promote fresh, balanced eating habits. However, it also points to concerns like potential overuse of fats in parathas, insufficient protein sources, and possible nutrient gaps in traditional vegetarian diets, such as Vitamin B12 and Omega-3."
Malhotra cautions against labeling foods as "bad" and emphasizes the importance of flexibility, moderation, and nutritional education. "Fostering a positive and sustainable relationship with food in growing children requires balance and understanding," she added, suggesting that while traditional diets have merits, they should be complemented with nutritional awareness.
Bharti Singh's stance has reignited discussions about parenting, cultural food practices, and children's health, offering a perspective that values tradition while acknowledging the evolving food landscape faced by younger generations.
