UNICEF India launches #MeriThaliSehatwali to promote healthy eating
UNICEF India launched Meri Thali Sehatwali, a digital campaign to promote healthy eating and food choices for the whole family. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort to improve food environments and diets, aiming to realise the vision of a well-nourished India. The digital campaign seeks to reach a wide range of audiences with targeted messages through engaging content such as static posts, videos, and jingles.Underlining the importance of adopting healthy eating habits, Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India Representative, said:'Our food choices—what we eat—are significant drivers of our growth and well-being across the lifecycle. A healthy and balanced diet is important for children and young people to thrive and grow. Different stages of life have different dietary needs, such as during childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy. Yet not everyone is well-informed about what healthy diets constitute for different ages in the family. Through this digital campaign, UNICEF aims to complement government and partner efforts that bridge the awareness gap and promote healthy eating for the whole family."The Meri Thali Sehatwali campaign is built on six simple but important healthy tips for families and decision-makers:Optimum breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices for infants and children under 2 years of age.Extra healthy breakfast and snacks for adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.Adolescent girls and women should not eat last and least.For the whole family—at any age and every day—eat diverse, colourful dishes filled with local and seasonal ingredients.Say no to junk food (ultra-processed foods and foods high in sugar, salt, and/or fat).Whatever your age, play, move, and remain active. Besides underweight and micronutrient deficiencies, overweight and obesity are also emerging as global challenges. Approximately 56 per cent of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases are caused by unhealthy diets. Diverse and healthy diets, along with physical activity, can help prevent these conditions.The #MeriThaliSehatwali campaign's call to action is focused on increasing awareness that leads to healthy eating across the entire lifecycle.ABOUT UNICEF INDIA:UNICEF works in some of the world's toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, UNICEF works for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.UNICEF India relies on the support and donations from businesses and individuals to sustain and expand health, nutrition, water and sanitation, education, social policy and social protection, and child protection programmes for all girls and boys in India.
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