Getting kids to eat healthy too

People always say to me, so your daughter is Vegan and Gluten Free too and I feel guilty saying, well she eats yogurt. But, although I understand the process and he nasty stuff hat happens in the dairy industry, I haven't found it in me to deny my daughter her favorite food, plain Greek Yogurt, that along with eggs in spring and summer from a friend with chickens, she is without Animal Products. We are works on the gluten.

But what if I eat animal products? (Knock it off!!! Oh ok, you decide) To be totally honest I would rather feed my daughter organic animal products then some of the "Vegan" crap out there. Oreos, Pepsi, Fritos, potato chips, all Vegan but combines they don't have enough nutritional value to keep my health finger healthy. So keep in mind, Vegan, Gluten Free, Whole Grains, none of this automatically means healthy.

So why then do we allow our kids to eat fruit snacks, sugar laden cereals, sugar laden granola bars and Chips? Maybe you are saying, 'I don't feed my child that junk,'but are you compromising your standards on food because its not worth the fight, or just easier. Well then for real this time, CUT IT OUT!

I recently had a major issue with Marley's preschool/daycare. (Rainbowland in Bedford, NH, in case you were considering this place). I had known since she started there in the Fall of 2011 (at age 2 1/2) that they would often feed them things like Cookie Crisp and cheese balls for snacks. I had mentioned on several occasions that I was not happy about the snacks , as she had never been exposed to his type of food before. After many conversations I finally have up (my first mistake). I turned a blind eye until I began to notice behavioral issues with my once angelic 3 1/2 year old.

So I went to the daycare Director and owner about changing what they were feeding the children and was met with denial and a negative attitude towards me. I finally told the school I would provide her snack. In NH, licensed child care centers need to do what the Families want with food. Instead they attempted to feed my child behind my back and told my now 4 year old that she could not have her avocado, she had to have what her friends were having. After many e-mails and some extremely negative words (from them, not me), I had to get a doctors note to provide my daughter with her own healthy snacks.

So after all this (and it is not over), I have recommitted to providing Marley wholesome, healthy snacks and I will fight the school all the way on this. What I learned from this is you can reverse the bad eating habits. Marley went from crying over wanting Goldfish for breakfast to eating gluten free oatmeal, or fruit and coconut water smoothies. Our treats are now, coconut water, homemade granola bars, or avocado chocolate pudding.

I will post a few healthy recipes that kids (at least my 4 year old) loves.

Good luck with the schools and outside influences, and just remember the battle is worth it!!!

Namaste,
Pam

Happy and Healthy!