The daily nutrition of newborn babies is carefully calculated. They are given the proper amount of water, milk, and vitamins. The pediatrician tells the parents when to begin baby food, and that too is monitored. Cereals first, then fruit and so on. We are so careful what we feed babies. We have regular doctor visits and told when to feed baby and what. But as soon as baby goes on solid foods, it's all over. Parents are now on their own. Parents show their love frequently with food. Candy, ice cream, and fast foods start early. Every fast food place has highchairs. One year old babies learn to love and desire those burgers and fries. The two year old cries for the candy at the checkout line. When given these artificially taste-enhanced foods at an early age, children will reject the less pleasing tastes of vegetables and fruits. Young bodies have the ability to pull minimal nutrients from the poorest of diets. But at what cost? As of 2003, it is estimated that 9 million young American children are overweight and over 30% of 15 to 19 year olds are overweight. This is caused by eating fast food and other foods high in sugar, white flour, and harmful fats.

Diabetes has dramatically risen in children. This is caused by eating manufactured foods high in refined sugars as well as drinking too many soft drinks. The thin child is in need of proper nutrition also. Just because children are thin, doesn't necessarily mean that they're healthy. They can be thin because they are picky eaters or simply prefer to eat less. When children eat less, they cannot possibly get all the nutrition they need for growth and health.

The nutrition we receive as children will affect the health we will have as adults. Parents often feel guilty if they don't give their children the popular fast food and junk food. They think their children are being deprived, but it's just the opposite. The best loving gift parents can give their children is to teach them how to eat nutritious foods and why. If you wait until they're older to give them junk food, they will never have developed a desire for it and will use it only as a treat.

It is also important to give children a high quality vitamin purchased at a health food store. Cheaper vitamins are just that.... cheap. What is your child worth? If you must cut corners, do it with something less valuable than your child. Vitamins from a bottle however, can never replace good nutrition. Our bodies are natural and use natural foods the best.

Even though natural foods are nutritious, they are a little less nutritious than they used to be because the soil is somewhat depleted. Unfortunately for us, not enough nutrients are being added back to the soil. Natural foods are still nutritious but we all need to take supplemental vitamins and minerals.

Children learn what they live. Using my cookbooks, teach them an uncomplicated way of eating natural and healthy 90% of the time. The rest of the time set aside for occasional treats of junk food or fast food. Bodies can handle harmful food a small part of the time, but not all of the time. Natural foods can be as tasty as manufactured foods. My recipes accomplish this. Children, who eat natural and avoid sugar, wheat, and harmful fats most of the time, are better behaved, calmer, learn better and feel better. If you have a problem child, chances are high that it's the foods he or she is eating. If your child is overweight or diabetic, it's definitely the foods he or she is eating.

My Children's Cookbook is now available. Any child 8 years old or older will be able to proudly cook their very own uncomplicated meals, snacks and desserts. Food is always more appealing when seeing with your own eyes, the delicious foods and ingredients being put together with your own hands. There is a feeling of accomplishment that can't be attained when buying fast food. Once a recipe is made once or twice, you become quite adapt at it and can do it really fast.

Every creature in the world except humans, knows instinctively what foods are the best fuel for their bodies.

What kind of fuel are you putting in your child's body?