A lot of people find this hard to believe but my daughter never visited the golden arches until she well over 3 years old. I think I’m hearing a collective gasp out there in the Internet world.
My husband and I don’t eat there so why would we change our healthy eating habits and take our daughter? And kids don’t miss what they’ve never had.
We had a play date with a friend and as it got later the Mom suggested going for lunch at the local McDonalds with a playland. She figured they could eat and then play some more. I caved. 3 years and finally fast food was in the picture.
So many people think kids will only eat this or that. Or they must eat “kids’ food”. Well, kids’ food is all sugar. Have you ever read the packaging? No wonder they like it and don’t want other things.
If you don’t buy it – they don’t know what it is. At least while they are very young. During that time they can grow a taste for good healthy food. As they get older and exposed to more variety then fast food or junk snacks can be added in but more as a special treat and not everyday food.
It’s better for them and easier for you. For example, I don’t have to buy white bread and whole grain bread – we all eat whole grain bread. That is one of the biggest misconceptions. Kids will eat whole grain bread if you give it to them before they try white bread. It is our responsibility to teach them healthy eating and it is much easier to learn it while young.
There is a new study out. It is alarming the number of overweight kids in America. They now predict the youngest generation to be the first not to have a longer life span then their parents. Why? Childhood obesity.
I know time is always an excuse for not cooking healthy. I don’t buy that. There are alternatives. If you must pick up dinner on the go you can stop at the grocery store and get a sandwich or go to a local sub shop. Don’t get the large fries and the milkshake every time.
Planning ahead is the best idea. If I know we are going to be on the go I plan and make that a leftovers night. Or cook in large batches and be able to pull healthy meals from the freezer.
Look at cookbooks created for kids or pick up an issue of Cooking Light for ideas too.
If you have a healthy recipe or a time-saver recipe please share it. I’m always looking for new ideas.
Published by Robin Dary on November 10, 2005 11:45 AM
