Raising Healthy Children

"How can I get my children to eat healthy?" This is a question that I have asked myself many times and I have come to one conclusion... the sooner you start the better off you are! That is not saying there is no hope for the older child who has eaten less than wholesome foods most of his or her life.. but there will be a commitment required and a determination to break the old habits and start new ones. For those of you who have not had children yet (or they are not old enough for table food)... my advice is stick with simple whole foods and avoid processed like the plague! A child's first foods are whole grain cereals, veggies, then fruits and then proteins. This is a wonderful start and should be the general rule we stick with through their childhood. Then come the regular table foods and the temptation begins to offer them less than the best like cookies, cupcakes, lollipops and sugar filled cereals (that are so appealing to kids eyes but SO toxic to their health!). If a child is raised on healthy, wholesome foods from birth they will not be as tempted or addicted to the sugar laden "treats" (they aren't truly treats if they cause us less than optimal health) of our society. They can continue to eat good proteins, fruits, veggies, whole grain waffles, whole grain pancakes, eggs, nitrite/nitrate free turkey sausage and the list goes on and on. In order for this plan to be most effective you must share your new eating habits with your family and closest friends so they understand where you are coming from and won't sabotage your efforts when you visit or leave your children with them periodically. Although some people may think you are "crazy" for adopting this new way of eating.. no one can deny the benefits of a wholesome, whole foods diet. Your diligence in this healthy way of eating will be rewarded with children who are sick less often and who recover much quicker than a child on a high sugar, highly processed diet. For those of you with children who have already starting eating an unhealthy diet.. there is hope! You can change and institute new guidelines for eating in your home. You can choose to no longer buy unhealthy foods and offer them healthy snacks and meals. Trust me... when they are hungry enough they will eat whatever is set before them! Before you know it you and your children will be experiencing an enhanced immune system, better behavior and energy like you never thought possible before. The habits we instill in our children are everlasting passing down from generation to generation. Break the chains of unhealthy eating and establish a pattern healthy eating and you will reap the benefits!