GoodMorningMama.com

Tips on Healthy Eating

In a world full of Twinkies, Big Macs, chocolate shakes and fries, parents strive to feed their children the best, most nutritious food possible. However…where do we start? The answer is the simplest…at the beginning. Babies and toddlers need the best possible foods to fuel their bodies, just as adults do. Our bodies crave food just as little one's do, and we don't want them craving sugars, starches and greasy foods at such a young age. Cooking at home, not only brings families closer, but teaches your children about nutrition. Eating should be an experience for children, introducing your children to new flavors, ingredients, and foods should always be on your agenda. Your children should experience, and know the proper portions for meals (i.e. 3-4oz of meat, 2 oz of starch, and 3-4 oz of vegetables). You may think they are too young, but I remember wanting to help my mother in the kitchen. I would follow her at her heals, asking: "What are you doing?" and "Why mama?" Eventually, she let me pull up a chair, stand on it, and pull out the internal cutting board. From that point, the level of help that she would allow me to give her increased. Coupled with my family's history of getting together and having food on special occasions or everyday, which is when I developed the desire for healthful cuisine.

If you can stay away from the multitude of processed convenience foods, and provide your family with the fresh and wholesome ingredients, then you will reap the benefits. It is ok now and again to "treat" children to fast food, but by no means should any kind of frequency develop. You may want to start with "totally organic everything", but most importantly, find a reputable grocer that has the products you need.

While shopping, consumers should look for:

Bright colorful fruits with not discoloration or bruising
Bright green vegetables and greens, except "iceberg lettuce" which has no nutritional value.
Bright unblemished yellow squash and zucchini
All colors of peppers
Fresh garlic clove (not from a jar or can)

A few tips to start you out with while you have your children stand in a chair next to you (handing you the food) or sitting in a highchair and watching.

A proper cook should never apply too much "cooking" or over cooking, as the vitamins in the vegetables will dissipate into the boiled water, the sautéed oil, or in the microwave.
Sautee with corn or olive oil, always remembering al dente (cooked on the outside and slightly crunchy on the inside).

If you can follow the basics of nutrition, coupled with activity, you and your family will be on the way to a healthy life.