#WellnessByHelloMarch | For children & adolescents, a balanced diet is essential to provide energy for mental development

Food
6 Feb 2026 • 8:00 AM MYT
Zulkifly Baharom
Zulkifly Baharom

An HR practitioner, Sejahtera Leadership Coach & Gusi Peace Prize Laureate.

Image from: #WellnessByHelloMarch | For children & adolescents, a balanced diet is essential to provide energy for mental development
Rich Kopi Cyberjaya - the World Gourmet. Pix: Iffah

I can still remember our nutritionist at National Heart Institute (IJN) reminded my wife Zarina & I that “To support both both physical & mental growth, a balanced diet should prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods while minimizing highly processed options. Omega-3 Acids (DHA) supports eye, brain & nerve development; may reduce symptoms of depression. A varied, healthy diet can feed your gut bacteria, improve gut health, and help lower inflammation. A diet rich in essential nutrients supports brain function, promotes positive mood and reduces the risk of mental health disorders such as stress and anxiety."

In support my current Cardiologist Dr. Siow Yoon Kee at the National Heart Centre of Sultan Idris Shah Hospital Serdang (SISHS) said “The connection between diet and mental health is evident, as proper nutrition gives the brain the necessary components to function optimally. You get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking everyday can boost your mood & improve your health. Eat healthy, regular meals & stay hydrated. Make your sleep a priority.

Image from: #WellnessByHelloMarch | For children & adolescents, a balanced diet is essential to provide energy for mental development
Rick Kopi focuses on traditional Malaysian comfort and delicious foods, we can find several healthier or lighter alternatives “vegetarian” (plant-based meals) section among their offerings. Pix: Zarina

In conjunction with the Federal Territories & Thaipusam public holidays whereby my family had the opportunity to lunch with our eldest grand-daughter, Iffah Faizah who is currently studying at a boarding school up north returned home for a brief visit to meet her parents & siblings in Cyberjaya. Her uncle, Farouq and aunty, Nadja & cousin, Daniel hosted a brunch at Malaysian delights restaurant Rich Kopitiam at Cyberjaya, the World Top Gourmet Award. (www.richkopi.cyberjaya.com)

Image from: #WellnessByHelloMarch | For children & adolescents, a balanced diet is essential to provide energy for mental development
Rich Kopi is a suitable venue for our family reunion brunch & engaged in conversations. L-R: grandpa Zul, grandma Ina, Zana, Faiz, Ilyan, Jann, Iffah, Yadh, Ilfi, Nadja, Daniel and Farouq. Pix: Rich Kopi

Farouq, CEO Stealth Studio who exercise everyday by running around Putrajaya neighborhood, believes in promoting children's wellness through food involves more than just selecting ‘healthy’ items. “It's about providing a balanced variety of nutrients that support our rapid growth, brain development & sustained energy. Wellness is built on how children eat in positive meal environment. We eat together as a family & model healthy behaviors and diet.”


Image from: #WellnessByHelloMarch | For children & adolescents, a balanced diet is essential to provide energy for mental development

Share your wellness journey and stand a chance to win prizes up to RM2,000! Find out how to join here. T&Cs apply.


Zulkifly Baharom (hajizul50@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!

The User Content (as defined on Newswav Terms of Use) above including the views expressed and media (pictures, videos, citations etc) were submitted & posted by the author. Newswav is solely an aggregation platform that hosts the User Content. If you have any questions about the content, copyright or other issues of the work, please contact creator@newswav.com.