The Karnataka government has introduced a new option in the Midday Meal Scheme for students in government schools — allowing parents to choose between eggs or bananas for their children.
This decision is aimed at addressing the dietary preferences and nutritional needs of students across the state. While eggs are a rich source of protein, bananas are preferred in vegetarian households and provide essential energy and micronutrients.
Under this scheme, parents will be asked to indicate their preference for their child’s midday meal, ensuring that the food served aligns with cultural, religious, and personal choices. The move is expected to improve meal acceptance rates and reduce wastage in schools.
Karnataka has been one of the states to offer eggs in the midday meal menu, but this has sometimes faced resistance from vegetarian communities. The introduction of a fruit alternative is seen as a balanced solution to meet both nutritional and cultural needs.
The government is working with school authorities to roll out the choice-based menu in a phased manner, starting with districts where the midday meal program already includes eggs.
This step is part of the state’s broader push to enhance child nutrition and education outcomes, ensuring that every student has access to healthy meals that suit their preferences.
As a renowned dietician specializing in PCOD and hormonal health, Richa Shet Talauliker has helped numerous individuals achieve optimal wellness. In an exclusive interview, Richa shared her inspiring journey, approach to nutrition, and expert advice on managing PCOD, diabetes, and weight loss.
Growing up in Goa, Richa appreciated the nourishing effects of home-cooked meals. However, her personal experience with hormonal imbalances post-pregnancy led her to delve deeper into PCOD and hormonal health. This journey sparked her passion for nutrition and inspired her to become a dietician.
Richa believes in a balanced, sustainable approach that integrates real, wholesome foods. She focuses on individual needs, preferences, and cultural backgrounds to create personalized plans that are easy to follow. Whether it’s a Goan diet plan or a specific medical condition, Richa ensures that her recommendations fit seamlessly into her clients’ lifestyles.
To provide evidence-based advice, Richa continuously reads scientific journals, attends webinars, follows credible nutrition experts, and participates in professional courses. This commitment to ongoing education enables her to offer cutting-edge guidance to her clients.
Richa addresses common misconceptions about PCOD, such as the notion that it can only be managed with medication. In reality, lifestyle and dietary changes play a significant role. She also educates clients on balanced carb intake rather than restriction.
Richa recommends prioritizing high-fiber, protein-rich meals, reducing refined sugar and processed foods, managing stress through meditation or yoga, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring adequate sleep and hydration.
Richa acknowledges that PCOD can be emotionally challenging. She focuses on a compassionate, non-judgmental approach, encouraging small, sustainable changes, celebrating progress, and incorporating mindfulness techniques to help clients manage stress and body image concerns.
Richa emphasizes balanced meals with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, portion control, choosing whole grains over refined grains, spacing meals properly, and educating clients on the glycemic index of foods.
Richa focuses on habit-building rather than drastic dieting. She encourages mindful eating, portion control, and increasing protein intake while maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Richa sets small, achievable goals to keep clients motivated.
For cravings, Richa suggests healthier alternatives and mindful eating techniques. For emotional eating, she works with clients to identify triggers and develop coping strategies. Plateaus are tackled by modifying workouts, adjusting macros, and reinforcing consistency.
Richa promotes a flexible and guilt-free approach to eating. She encourages clients to listen to their bodies, enjoy their meals mindfully, and shift focus from restriction to nourishment.
Richa recommends setting small, measurable goals, tracking progress, and finding an accountability partner. She also encourages celebrating non-scale victories, such as better energy or improved digestion.
Richa encourages self-compassion and shifting focus from perfection to progress. She helps clients reframe their thoughts around food and body image, emphasizing nourishment over deprivation.
Richa respects cultural food preferences and adapts meal plans accordingly. She also offers flexible consultation timings to cater to different time zones.
Richa has successfully adapted to online coaching, ensuring effective communication and support through video calls, voice notes, and messages.
Richa uses simple language, visual guides, and voice notes if needed. If technical issues arise, she reschedules calls or switches to a different communication method.
After struggling with weight gain, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances post-pregnancy, Richa regained her energy and health through mindful eating and lifestyle changes. This personal journey made her more empathetic toward her clients.
Richa believes that health is about balance, not extremes. She emphasizes sustainable habits, real food, and self-care, helping clients find an approach that works for them rather than forcing rigid diets.
Richa makes time for daily walks, nourishing meals, and moments of relaxation. She also practices gratitude and ensures work-life balance to avoid burnout.
Richa Narvekar’s inspiring journey, expert advice, and compassionate approach to nutrition and wellness make her a trusted guide for individuals seeking to achieve optimal health and balance in their lives.
