It’s the summer season and my kids are all about hotdogs. I’m buying turkey hotdogs--is that better? My answer goes back to natural vs. artificial foods, with hotdogs being a processed meat that’s very high in sodium. Growing up I loved hotdogs on special occasions, and since summers are all about BBQs, hot dogs and [...]
If most of my child’s diet is well rounded, does it matter that he has a rewarding dessert here and there? After all, he’s a kid! Dessert is A-OK, but rewarding kids with food is not. For something sweet, try fresh summer berries! I’m all about dessert, especially homemade sweets, but not with [...]
My girls (4 and 2 years old) are pasta addicts. Every night, pasta is all they want to eat. Even when I don’t make it, they ask for it (well, whine for it)! I have spoken to several other parents who say the same thing is going on in their homes, too. I know too [...]
My daughter is good and often eats the fruits and veggies I put on her plate. But when the decision is hers, she’ll reach for a cookie or another processed sweet. How can I get her to make better decisions on her own? She’s only 8, so I don’t want to be too controlling over [...]
What’s the most important nutrient for a growing 5 year old? And does this change and he gets older? There isn’t one silver bullet for good health–you need a little bit of everything! (motleyhealth.com) Unfortunately there’s no “quick-fix” answer to this question. A growing child needs good nutrition from a variety of whole [...]
My 2-year-old daughter has always been a good eater for the most part. Just as of the past week or so, she is refusing to eat foods she's always loved. We've tried various things, but are wondering what you recommend to help this problem. It seems that it's just a control issue with her. Many [...]
Yummy, fuzzy edamame pods! (tumblr.com) Is there a limit on the amount of soy foods, such as edamame and tofu, that my 1 year old should be eating? Soy foods, such as edamame and tofu, are delicious plant-based sources of protein that contain no cholesterol. They are loaded with healthy fats, including omega-3 [...]
I make my 7-year-old’s meals, including a packed lunch for school. I know I can’t be in control all the time, but how do I know she’s not eating other kids’ junk foods during lunch hour? You may pack a great, healthy lunch, but what happens at lunchtime? (familyfreshcooking.com) The best way to [...]
My daughter runs out of the house each morning without eating breakfast. Is this habit that bad? Organic, all natural granola bars are a great option for breakfast on the go. Kids who eat breakfast perform better in school, have fewer disciplinary problems, and focus better in the classroom, according to a significant [...]
I try to stay away from processed and packaged foods, but wrapped American cheese and shredded mozzarella offer great convenience. Should I refrain from giving them to my toddler on a regular basis? Dairy is one of the 5 food groups featured on USDA’s MyPlate. Kids love cheese, and this dairy source provides protein, calcium [...]