For new parents, every stage of their child’s development is exciting but the toddler stage is extra special. This is the age when children take their first steps, utter their first words and start to eat solid foods.

“On the road to great eating habits, starting out with healthy, safe, age appropriate foods is paramount” says mother and dietitian Pierrette Buklis. “Early choices can greatly influence a child’s food habits for many years to come” she explains. (more…)

You know the saying - breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is especially true when applied to your child who is heading out the door to school. Research has shown that children who eat breakfast perform better at school, have better behaviour and are more attentive than those who skip breakfast.

Breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated, time consuming or make your feel uncomfortably full. Here are some light, quick ideas to start the day right. For balance, choose at least two items, one from each group. (more…)

Over a long summer break filled with sugary snacks, soda pop and summer treats, children’s healthy eating habits can fall to the way side. With the start of the new school year, it’s important for children to get the energy they need to be bright and focused in the classroom. Here are some fail proof ways to get them off to the right start: (more…)

Childhood obesity is on the rise. The latest Canadian Community Health Survey found that the combined rate of children and teens who are overweight or obese has jumped from fifteen to twenty-six percent over the span of just 25 years (1978-2004).

Unfortunately, the problem doesn’t end there. About 70% of obese children become obese adults, increasing the risk of their developing chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease as well as developing poor body image and self-esteem-related eating disorders. Even more disconcerting is that many obese and overweight children are developing health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and joint problems, at very early ages.

So what can be done? One strategy that can help is for kids to get their daily servings of fruit and vegetables. Children and teens who eat fruit and vegetables 5 or more times a day are much less likely to be overweight or obese than those who eat them less often. (more…)

Most parents have discovered that if a particular food item is very healthy and great for us, our children quickly learn to dislike it. The challenge then becomes, “How can I get my kids to eat more healthy stuff?”

Smoothies can be the answer. Most children love these drinks. And for the real die-hard kids, we can add just a bit of “bad” food that they will surely come over to the good side! If you have never made a smoothie, it is easy. Just prepare the food as if you were going to eat it raw, put in a blender, and blend away. (more…)