1 You’re asked to contribute a plate of food to your child’s end-of-term party at school. What do you take?

A)  Homemade brown bread sandwiches. They took an hour to make but you know what’s in it

B)  Ready-made frankies. You were so busy you forgot about it, so picked them up on the way to the party 

C)  Egg and tomato sandwiches. It’s a good way of making sure kids get at least some vegetable

D)  Samosas with coriander chutney. You know your child loves them.

2 It’s your child’s birthday. What cake do you get them?

A)  A homemade fruit cake you’ve baked yourself

B)  A large chocolate cake from the supermarket

C)  A butterscotch sponge cake you’ve had made in the shape of their favourite cartoon character

D)  A carrot cake from your favourite bakery.

3 You have only 20 minutes to cook a family dinner. What do you serve up?

A)  Grilled sandwiches with buttered potatoes and mango shake

B)  Chicken rolls with oven chips and baked beans

C)  Noodles with tomato sauce, grated cheese and salad — although your kids will probably leave the salad

D)  Paneer and vegetable stir fry.

4 When you go out to eat as a family, where are you most likely to go?

A)  A restaurant that uses desi ghee and organic produce.

B)  The popular burger and fries place — you can be in and out in 15 minutes.

C)  One of the outlets of the pizza chain — there’s something on the menu for everyone.

D)  A niche Chinese restaurant with authentic varieties.

5 What does your child’s packed dibba typically contain?

A)  Warm rotis with adequate bhaji, steamed rice,

tadka dal alongwith a small bottle for buttermilk.

B)  A vegetable sandwich, packet of wafers, chocolate biscuit, apple and a juice

C)  A salad roll, a dahi container, banana, carton of fruit juice and a small bar of chocolate

D)  Sweet bread and mayonnaise, a packet of kurmure, a pot of hi-protein packaged dahi and a blueberry smoothie.

6 You’re doing your weekly shopping for foodstuffs. What does your child pester you for most?

A)  An expensive tub of luxury ice cream

B)  A family pack of the latest crisps in the market

C)  A large tub of mixed children’s favourites and chocolates

D)  A pack of heat and eat mini-burgers. 

  Your Score 

Based on your current lifestyle your weight future is likely to be…

•     All for health

Maximum As:

You’re a ‘foodie’ parent. You love cooking from scratch, using organic foods and fresh local produce and scrutinise labels to avoid excess additives. Keep an eye on sugar and salt — especially regarding homemade desserts. And beware of organic treats too.

•     Race against time

Maximum Bs:

You’re a ‘juggling’ parent.Your busy lifestyle means family meals lose out to ready-to-eat meals. Healthy meals like atta noodles with paneer or chicken stir fry, can be made in minutes. Stock up on healthier snacks.

•     Fat’s my friend

Maximum Cs:

Chances are you could put on at least six kgs in the next five years. You’re heading for some serious weight gain if you carry on, but it won’t take too much hard work to reverse the rot now and prevent a bigger you in the future. It takes 30 minutes for the message that you’re full to reach your brain, so by pausing between mouthfuls and aiming to eat slowly you’ll avoid overeating.

•     Fun with food

Maximum Ds:

You’re a ‘cool’ parent. Having kids hasn’t changed your eating habits. Keep encouraging new foods but ensure kids get enough proteins and vitamins and not too much salt.