New Delhi, July 4 -- In many households, mornings are rushed, leaving little time for elaborate meal preparation. Convenience often outweighs nutrition, and school lunchboxes increasingly feature instant noodles and other processed foods, such as chips, biscuits, packaged snacks or deep-fried foods.

Although these items may serve as a quick fix on hectic days, experts caution against making them a regular choice. An occasional serving of junk food is unlikely to cause harm, yet replacing balanced, freshly prepared meals with processed or fried foods multiple times a week can deprive children of essential nutrients needed for healthy growth.

Childhood is a critical phase of development, requiring protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals...