Participants will a six-week pulse education program similar to the education-only group. However, this group will include individualized dietitian counseling alongside written educational materials, a common strategy in dietary education interventions. In addition to education, families will receive free weekly supply of pulses, pre-measured and packaged according to a stepwise intake plan (0.5 cups in Week 1, 1.0 cup in Week 2, and 1.5 cups from Weeks 3-6). The pulses provided will include chickpeas, lentils, and black beans, owing to their prebiotic and gut health benefits as identified in previous research. Families will be asked to prepare three pulse-based meals per week and complete adherence tracking. Pulse provisions are scaled to household size to ensure all members meet intake goals.

Participants will receive six weekly pulse-focused nutrition sessions via printed handouts, PPTs, and recipe cards covering pulse nutrition, health benefits, and cooking methods. Families will be asked to prepare three pulse-based meals per week following a stepwise intake schedule (0.5 cups in Week 1, 1.0 cup in Week 2, and 1.5 cups from Weeks 3-6) and purchase pulses independently. Adherence is tracked through weekly food logs, checklists, and surveys on child acceptance, meal satisfaction, and preparation feasibility.

Participants receive six weekly pulse-focused nutrition sessions via printed handouts, PPTs, and recipe cards covering pulse nutrition, health benefits, and cooking methods. Families prepare three pulse-based meals per week following a stepwise intake schedule (0.5 cups in Week 1, 1.0 cup in Week 2, and 1.5 cups from Weeks 3-6) and purchase pulses independently. One of four pulses (lentils, chickpeas, black eye peas, black beans) will be assigned each week.

Proportion of participants achieving the prescribed pulse intake of ≥1.5 cups per week, assessed using dietary records and pulse meal logs.

Change in fecal microbiome composition and alpha/beta diversity indices measured by microbiome analysis of stool samples.

Change in fecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, measured from stool samples.

Change in biomarkers of intestinal epithelial/barrier function measured in biological samples.

Maintenance of pulse consumption following completion of the intervention, assessed by dietary records and pulse intake questionnaires.

Frequency and severity of gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloating, abdominal discomfort, gas, diarrhea, and constipation, reported during the intervention period.