Search
Related Links

 

 

Informative Articles

Kids: Channeling Mania Towards Productivity
More and more kids these days are diagnosed ADD, ADHD, or Bipolar. There are biological reasons for this, and there are environmental elements which can soothe or aggravate the symptoms. It becomes increasingly easy to “react” to each...

Preventing Obesity in Young Children
Do you have a young child whose weight or eating habits are out of control? Need some real world help with ‘taming the cookie monster'? Here are some things that worked for our family. Our daughter, now 14 years old, was plump from birth and...

RUNNING AWAY
Useful Links & Things Need information? Don't know who to ask or where to turn? Here are some useful links and information sources that will respect YOU and your privacy. Abuse: Most of us don't know a lot about Child Abuse - what it is and what...

What Divorce Parenting Practices is Best Appropriate for School-Age Children?
It is being said that how bad or how well children go through the divorce depends on how the situation is handled. And believe me when I tell you that there is an appropriate divorce parenting practices for children of any age for them to be...

Your Job as a Role Model
A certain educator was once asked at what point should a parent begin to prepare for child raising. "How old are you?" the educator inquired. "Twenty-three." "You should begin twenty-three years ago." What is the message? The single most...

 
Reshape The Family Diet -- Avoid Dinnertime Trouble/Cyndi Thomas, ND

Reshape The Family Diet -- Avoid Dinnertime Trouble

by Cyndi Thomas, ND

When I announced that my family needed to change its diet somewhat... well, to say my children weren't as excited as me would be an understatement.

More than once they cried: What? Salad again! When are we going to have some real food?

My understanding reply was usually, "This is dinner...eat it or starve." After all, I had taken it upon myself to get my family in the best possible health -- NO MATTER WHAT!

I had decided no more junk food. We were going to sprout alfalfa and have produce delivered by truck once a week. We were going to have meals made up of just fruits and vegetables. We were going to drink juice made from... gulp, barley grass and carrots. My kids were going to be thrilled with the change!

So I sat them down -- all seven of them -- and gave a brilliant lecture on the importance of good nutrition. I even had charts and graphs. I knew that once they understood, the change wouldn't be a problem at all. After all, I had intelligent kids. They would understand. Right? Wrong!

C'mon mom... do you really mean no more hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, brownies, potato chips and soda pop. You don't expect me to give up soda pop -- DO YOU?

I no longer recommend anyone do what I did. My path to healthy living was paved with good intentions. But my family suffered the potholes that accompanied my attempt to overhaul their eating habits overnight.

You won't have to endure as much agony. I've compiled a few guidelines to make such a transition easier for the caring mother (or father) wanting what's best for her or his family:
1. Do not say anything to the family about what is to transpire. (The exception here is if the family already has an excellent, above-average level of communication and they would rather have apples instead of Ding-Dongs for dessert!) So like I said, "Don't say anything."

2. Without comment -- and over a period of months -- the meals should gradually become more nutritious.

3. To complement to the regular meat main course, you serve lightly steamed vegetables and a tossed green salad. Less high-fat dairy products, fried foods, pre-prepared foods and canned foods appear on the table.

4. Make a deal with the kids: We eat like I say five days a week... twice weekly, you can pick the menu. Most kids would be agreeable to that. Mine were. Of course, it took me a month to realize the importance of letting them choose occasionally.

(It was during that month that my then 16-year-old son came home one night with two large pepperoni pizzas. He walked in with a smile and a grin-delivered greeting: "Gee mom, you work so hard. I thought I'd take care of dinner tonight!" With his minimum wage salary from sacking groceries, takeout pizza was something he couldn't afford very often.)
The transition is much smoother when mom AND Dad agree on the diet change. Still the rule is the less fanfare, the better. Slowly introduce more nutritious menus and set a good example of eating and enjoying. Make positive comments about how good the vegetables taste -- and how good they are for the body.

If questions are raised as to why the menus are different, be honest and direct: "We've been reading (or the doctor told us -- or Bob and Mary have been telling us) that junk food makes our bodies sick."

Follow with statements on how much better you have been feeling since eating


"right" and comment on any noticed changes in the children's health or behavior. For example: "Johnny, you sure have been easier to get out of bed in the mornings since we've changed our diet."

Don't neglect an opportunity to point out to the children when a slip away from healthful eating produces direct negative physical discomfort. Whether it's affecting you ("Boy, that ice cream sure gave me a headache!") or them ("Johnny, see how you are acting since you've eaten that piece of cake?"

Keep the "wrong" food out of the house. That way your kids won't be tempted into eating something they shouldn't. If you must go to the store to get something, you will often think twice about whether it's needed -- OR NOT.

Children learn by example. A household that manages food properly will help children adopt healthy eating habits.

Here are a few quick additional tips:

• Praise your child's efforts to make better dietary choices.
• Stock the pantry with healthy foods.
• Provide balanced meals at regular times.
• Keep snacks healthy (raw fruits, veggies, etc.)
• Lead by example. You MUST also eat healthy.
• Reward good behavior with nonfood items, such as CDs and clothes.

Changing a lifestyle doesn't have to be complicated. Slow and steady always wins the race.

My pop drinker rarely indulges anymore. My sugar addict gets a headache when she indulges. My younger ones can't eat off the children's menu at restaurants -- they don't offer salads on the kid's menu!

And, my husband totally avoids dairy to keep his allergies from becoming a problem.

Are we perfect? Of course not. But we now spend more time eating the right things as opposed to the wrong. And it does get easier with time.

I know your family is worth the effort. And someday they will realize how right you were and maybe even thank you for it!

Medical Disclaimer: The School of Natural Health has provided this material for informational purposes only. We do not prescribe and we do not diagnose. If you use the information outlined in this website (book, survey form, newsletter, supplements) without the approval of a health professional, you prescribe for yourself, which remains your constitutional right, but neither the author(s), nor the School of Natural Health assume any responsibility. Please check with a trusted medical doctor before making any sudden and new dietary changes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cyndi is a Naturopath (N.D. from the College of Natural Health) and is a member of the American Association of Certified Consultants. Cyndi has overcome numerous physical problems through the principles of Naturopathy. She has been published in ezines and magazines, is the author of "Vibrant Health - It Can Be Yours" and is the editor of the online newsletter, BNHealth. Cyndi lives in Oklahoma with her husband, Paul and their seven children, whom she home schools. You can visit her site at: http://www.schoolofhealth.com or email her at cyndi@schoolofhealth.com

READ MORE:
http://joanbramsch.com/health/familydiet.shtml

About the Author

JOAN BRAMSCH is a family person, educator, writer and E-publisher. Her articles appear internationally in print and online. Six of her best-selling adult novels - near one million copies - have worldwide distribution. Her
Empowered Parenting Ezine serves 1000 parents around the globe.
http://www.JoanBramsch.com mailto:hijoan@joanbramsch.com

 

Pregnancy | Baby | Child | Mom | Advice Tips & Resources for ...
Parenting magazine has everything you need to raise a happy, healthy family. Get expert advice on child development, the best in baby names, our pregnancy ...
www.parenting.com
 
Pregnancy & Parenting: For Today's Mom - iVillage
From trying to conceive through your child's teen years, iVillage Pregnancy & Parenting offers up-to-date and informative articles, features, expert advice ...
parenting.ivillage.com
 
Parenting.org – Help and guidance for parents!
Answers questions about parenting and has resources for better parenting.
www.parenting.org
 
Parents
Expert advice about pregnancy, your kids, your life, and family time from the editors of Parents magazine.
www.parents.com
 
BBC - Parenting
Practical solutions to help with the challenges of everyday parenting - including expert advice as well as tips from other mums and dads.
www.bbc.co.uk
 
Parenting, Pregnancy,Conception, Babynames - Parenthood.com
Information regarding parenthood and parenting. Find the meanings of Baby names and useful articles on parenting.
www.parenthood.com
 
Parenting advice, child development and family reference at ...
FamilyEducation.com provides parents with educational printables, games, activities, parenting ideas, tips, family advice, and information on learning ...
www.familyeducation.com
 
MedlinePlus: Parenting
From the National Institutes of Health; Adventures in Parenting (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development) ...
www.nlm.nih.gov
 
The National Parenting Center
Support site for parenting. Dedicated to providing parents with comprehensive and responsible guidance from the world's most renowned child-rearing ...
www.tnpc.com
 
About - Parenting & Family
Parenting advice from moms and dads who know what's up. Whether your babies are still actual infants, or about to enter college, our Guides will give you ...
about.com
 
Positive Parenting - Main Menu
Debbie Critzer Positive Parenting is dedicated to providing resources and info rmation ... Welcome to Positive Parenting online! For our long-time readers, ...
www.positiveparenting.com
 
Parenting Tips and Information on Baby Care and Pregnancy.
This parenting and baby care resource center offers essential pregnancy, baby care and development information, tips, and articles.
www.parenttime.com
 
Parenting, Children's Health and Education, Family Crafts and ...
Parenting, Children, and Families - ParentCenter is the most trusted online resource for parents of young kids. ParentCenter offers free weekly newsletters, ...
parentcenter.babycenter.com
 
Parenting - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The term "child training" implies a specific type of parenting that focuses on ... Parenting measures can also be observational, such as the Parent-Child ...
en.wikipedia.org
 
Today's Parent
At Todaysparent.com you'll find a parenting community to call your own, with a library of information on all the ages and stages of your growing family, ...
www.todaysparent.com
 
Indian Parenting - The Definitive Guide
Comprehensive website for Indian parents with topics ranging from pregnancy to raising children, including articles on infertility, health and medicine, ...
www.indiaparenting.com
 
Exceptional Parent Magazine - Eparent.com - parenting those with ...
Magazine for parents of children or young adults with disabilities. Includes reports, forum, products links, books.
www.eparent.com
 
Parenting: information, advice and support from toddler to teenage
Parenting advice, information and support to help you with your family, from toddler to teens.
www.ivillage.co.uk
 
Parenting-QA.com - Parenting Questions and Answers For Parents in ...
All parents have questions about their children’s behavior, growth, and development. The challenges of parenting seem never-ending and constantly evolving.
www.parenting-qa.com
 
Parenting Teens - Troubled Teen Help Information.
Information for parents of teens, including troubled teens, parenting tips, teen education, and more.
www.parentingteens.com
 
 

 

Content Menu
  • 100 ways to connect with your teen

  • 10 outcomes you will love before potty training

  • 10 simple ways to say i love you

  • 10 things you can do to help a shy child

  • 10 ways to make toilet training fun exciting

  • 15 ways to create some extra holiday money

  • 3 major divorce parenting mistakes and learn how to avoid them

  • 5 steps to stress guard your family

  • 5 tips for successful grandparenting

  • 8 gifts of parenting

  • 8 steps to financially intelligent parenting

  • action points for effective grandparents

  • add adhd children being your childs best friend

  • andy griffith show family lessons

  • and this unto you

  • an examined life

  • an ntertaining evening

  • are we there yet

  • are your children growing up too fast

  • are your kids driving you crazy how character building charts keep you sane

  • are you addicted to your children

  • are you letting your children manipulate you

  • are you making time for your marriage

  • are you meeting all your childs basic needs

  • are you placing your children in danger

  • are you present with your children

  • aromatherapy for the parents of teenagers

  • authoritarian parenting permissive parenting or loving parenting

  • author interview mommy come home

  • a daddy baby shower new twist on the old baby shower

  • a harvest halloween

  • a history of names

  • a little girl with a big question

  • a minute can turn into hours for the child of a work at home mom

  • a season for giving

  • a servants heart

  • baby lullaby

  • baby name trends from classic to hip

  • baby safety checklist protecting your baby

  • baby shower gift ideas

  • backpacks and bullies is your child prepared

  • back to school advice

  • back to school time to recharge

  • bath time fun

  • bedtime without battles

  • behavioral strategy avoid the grey areas and deal only with black white

  • better aging

  • beyond the words a childs voice

  • be a good role model

  • birth of a baby birth of a parent

  • bless the children

  • born with instructions

  • boy do we get the garbage

  • breastfeeding 101 nursing basics for new moms

  • breastfeeding handling criticism

  • building your childs honest and fairness

  • build character now practical tools for busy parents

  • build your childs strong character through responsibility

  • bullies

  • calling forth a soulmate

  • caretaking parents entitled kids

  • childhood friendships

  • childrens allowance

  • childrens discipline how to resolve divorce parenting differences

  • childrens sexuality

  • children and divorce

  • children are people not machines

  • children patriots

  • children s discipline how to resolve divorce parenting differences

  • children who talk to angels

  • clean your house in half the time

  • committed parenting

  • convicting children

  • creative soap crafts

  • cut the costs of your new baby devour those yard sales

  • cyber parenting 101

  • dads are heroes

  • developing citizenship and patriotism in your child

  • developing your babys language

  • developing your childs compassion

  • developing your childs self discipline

  • developing your childs self respect

  • develop your childs critical thinking skills

  • develop your childs self confidence

  • diaper bags for dads papas got a brand new bag

  • difference

  • divorced parent do you alienate your child from the other parent

  • does your child need a bedtime routine yes

  • dont make these 6 mistakes when your child is having nightmares

  • do you want your children to be like you

  • eggs travagant eggs

  • elephants and teenagers

  • ericksons theory of human development

  • essential tips for the kitchen

  • every mom worries

  • family as as entity

  • family time

  • farm to market days

  • febrile seizures

  • first time parenting woes

  • five solid reasons why your child can be an achiever

  • five tips for successful grandparenting

  • five ways to turbo boost your parenting skills

  • fraternal twin parenting concerns

  • free african games

  • free baby shower games

  • free empowered kids game room

  • free kwanzaa games

  • frequently asked questions about reading to your child

  • fresh fun music for the whole family

  • friends are a gift you give yourself

  • friends fish the future

  • fun easy ways to help your family set goals for the new year

  • gaining a childs trust

  • getting great pictures of the kids this halloween

  • getting what you want in parenting

  • getting your husband involved in caring for your baby

  • gifted children

  • give your child the gift of self esteem

  • giving the gift of mama

  • glowing goblins

  • god dont like rich people

  • grace full parenting committing to nurturing the souls of our children

  • grandparenting ceremony

  • grieving children

  • growing pains

  • guerilla parenting techniques what are they

  • guilt free parenting

  • head lice

  • helping children with learning problem

  • helping your children develop their self discipline

  • helping your child develop

  • help my preteen teenager is driving me nuts

  • help your baby develop character

  • his toy her toy

  • holiday expectations

  • homework help for the attention deficit child

  • home and school education your kids can benefit from both

  • how can i teach my toddler to share

  • how develop your childs good judgement

  • how do you find the best car seat to protect your child

  • how is peaceful parentinge different

  • how the challenge of single parenting affects your decision to divorce

  • how to add romance to your relationship

  • how to choose a diaper bag

  • how to choose a diaper pail for disposable diapers

  • how to create an emotional bond with your child

  • how to help your child with first day anxiety

  • how to live with your teenagers untidy room

  • how to look for baby books

  • how to make coupons cash not clutter

  • how to make your own baby food and save a fortune

  • how to organize christmas toy shopping

  • how to potty train in two days

  • how to raise creative kids

  • how to reorganize your divorce life for happiness

  • how to share parenting responsibilities

  • how to share parenting responsibilities with your husband or partner

  • how to stop divorce parental conflict from bursting

  • how to take charge of the tv

  • how to while away a winter sunday afternoon with the kids teach a little eq at the same time

  • how well do you know your child

  • hunter and gatherer

  • if i hurt you then im sorry

  • impact of excercise and medical care on early learning

  • imperfect parenting

  • index

  • infant circumcision

  • insanity a symptom of a new parent

  • intersting baby facts strange but true

  • interview with a coach who helps men become better fathers

  • in search of elmo

  • is it okay to spoil your kids

  • is mothering wearing you out

  • is my child ready for a family pet

  • is this the one

  • is your child having trouble in school

  • its ok for your child to be bored in fact its recommended

  • jackass stunts high school hazing and herd mentality how can parents of teenagers protect kids from doing stupid things

  • jesus birthday sacred children series 2 of 3

  • john wayne vs petticoat approach to parenting

  • john wayne vs the petticoat approach to parenting

  • keeping abreast

  • keeping the stress out of single parenting

  • kids channeling mania towards productivity

  • learning activities for your baby

  • learning disabilities

  • lets go shopping at yard sales

  • living in love remembering why you married

  • living with and loving our teens

  • love at home

  • love food and kids

  • make role modeling a hobby

  • making mom feel special

  • making time for your kids

  • marriages may end but families are forever

  • maturing as a parent

  • meal deal how you and your toddler can enjoy eating out

  • mindfulness and marriage moving along

  • missing child

  • mommy baby more parenting tidbits

  • mommy baby parenting tidbits

  • mommy baby styles of parenting

  • moms 5 stteps to organize kids toys

  • moms 7 tips to organize your school kids

  • moms get more energy now

  • mom vs dad navigating parenting differences with all good intentions

  • moral armors irrational parenting part i

  • moral armors irrational parenting part ii

  • moral armors irrational parenting part iii

  • moral armors irrational parenting part iv

  • moral armors irrational parenting part v

  • more than i can bear

  • more than mom and dad

  • motivation the key to your childs educational success

  • my husband prioritizes making money above family time

  • my sons teacher was a bully

  • natural disasters help your child cope with the anxiety

  • need a great family or on your own winter activity

  • never pay full price for a book

  • no invitation needed sacred children series 3 of 3

  • number 1 key to good parenting

  • obesity isnt the only problem with todays youth entertainment

  • oh baby choosing the right baby name

  • oops did i forget the free fun

  • over indulgence and over attentiveness two dangers parents must avoid

  • parental hostility what will this bring to your childrens life

  • parenting

  • parenting activity use these 3 time out twists

  • parenting adolescents young adults

  • parenting advice when your kids fight

  • parenting after divorce

  • parenting balancing control and freedom

  • parenting confidence who needs it

  • parenting dilemmas finding support online

  • parenting failure it may not be all it seems

  • parenting give your child the tools to build strong character and values

  • parenting how to help your firstborn become friends with the new baby

  • parenting how to set limits for young children

  • parenting is tough make it easy

  • parenting just right the number one secret

  • parenting manual

  • parenting predicaments

  • parenting resolutions for character builders the best three ever

  • parenting roots and wings

  • parenting rules for permissive parents use these with caution

  • parenting secrets revealed

  • parenting skills five ways to turbo boost your confidence

  • parenting starts before pregnancy

  • parenting strategies to get your baby to sleep

  • parenting strategy one of the worst ever

  • parenting styles overcoming your differences

  • parenting style one of the worst ever

  • parenting success

  • parenting teenagers

  • parenting teens getting your point across

  • parenting teens the future

  • parenting ten things you can do to develop your babys language skills

  • parenting the irrational vocation

  • parenting troubled teens

  • parenting univeristy potty training 101

  • parenting yourself when you have small children

  • parents dealing with worry and fear

  • parents teach thought stopping fix crooked thinking caps

  • parents what kind of role model are you

  • passions search for destiny

  • pay attention its your most important job

  • pen pal romance

  • pet loss can be just as devastating

  • postpartum depression

  • potty training to train or not to train

  • practicing bringing generations together

  • preventing obesity in young children

  • project glowing goblins

  • protecting your childs innocence

  • putting your child to bed

  • rainy day fun crafts for kids

  • rainy day fun for kids

  • raise awesome kids this 4 point plan gets results

  • raising creative grandchildren

  • read together with your baby

  • real friends

  • real monsters under your bed

  • reincarnation sacred children series 1 of 3

  • remember the generation gap

  • reshape the family diet avoid dinnertime trouble cyndi thomas nd

  • resource for parents and teachers dealing with bullying

  • responsible fatherhood a unique and irreplaceable role

  • rotator

  • running away

  • safety measures to be taken when buying childrens clothing

  • saving memories of your children

  • saying yes so they wont know its no guiding behavior for peaceful parenting

  • saying yes so they wont know its no guiding behavior peaceful parenting

  • saying yes so they won t know it s no guiding behavior for peaceful parenting

  • scorpios child

  • secrets to working and pumping

  • secrets your husband significant other dont want you to know

  • security items

  • send your child to college free

  • share your thoughts about parenting

  • sharing parenting responsibilities

  • should you forgive infidelity

  • show your baby that you read

  • sibling rivalry the magic secret that stops it instantly

  • signs of teething baby

  • sign up for your child

  • single parenting how the challenge of single parenting affects your decision to divorce

  • sissys show of support

  • sit right here is a new game

  • slash your grocery prices with coupons

  • social and emotional preparation for pre school

  • son can i use the car tonight

  • spanking children

  • spare the child ditch the rod

  • spare your kids to 7 most distressful divorce parenting situations

  • speaking on behalf of our children stop blaming the victims

  • speaking with our children about the death of pope john paul ii

  • speech impediments

  • spend more time with your family this holiday season host a caroling party

  • start growing healthy children before getting pregnant

  • step parenting power tool using family rituals and traditions to create identit

  • stop look listen steps to better parenting communication

  • stop lying now

  • stop shoulding on yourself parenting without resentment

  • study skills how can you help your kids

  • teaching children good manners

  • teaching your child courage

  • teaching your child to be respectful

  • teach me im yours if you want your child to be smart you be the first teacher

  • teach your baby to read english

  • teach your childs honesty and fairness

  • teen advice on line

  • teething symptoms and how to treat them

  • ten tips for parenting teens

  • ten tips to help you save your sanity during the holidays

  • ten ways to save your sanity during the holidays

  • the 5 bs of effective parenting

  • the absentee parent parenting from a distance

  • the benefits of baby massage

  • the b word

  • the challenges of single parenting

  • the courage to be a loving parent

  • the essence of infidelity

  • the family bed a story in generations

  • the five best gifts to give your family

  • the gratitude wreath

  • the high eq way to choose the right man for you

  • the importance of fathers

  • the importance of hobbies

  • the importance of mothers

  • the john wayne vs apron string approach to parenting

  • the last day of who cares

  • the official parenting cheesecake recipe

  • the parent teen relationship

  • the seven keys to child obedience

  • the shoemaker and the brat

  • the sound of his laughter

  • the spirit of fathers day

  • the theory of parentivity and other equations

  • the top 5 reasons why unwed parents must establish paternity

  • the truth about early pregnancy tests

  • the woes of coparenting

  • think green

  • think like your kids and understand them more

  • time management and how it affects your kids

  • time management for stay at home parents

  • tips and tricks for introducing solids to your baby

  • toddler skills for personal responsibility

  • tools for parenting anger management for families part 1

  • tools for parenting anger management for families part 2

  • tools for parenting my child the lawyer

  • too many divorces

  • top 10 items for successful breastfeeding

  • top ten common sense rules for fathers

  • to know you is to love you

  • trick or treating safety

  • triumphing over tantrums

  • two year olds the original freedom fighters

  • typical language accomplishments

  • up to your neck in parenting dogma doo step into something more personally correct 7 warning signs that big mother is watching

  • using music to calm your baby

  • valentines day snowflake contest

  • valentine moments with your children

  • validating vs indulging childrens feelings

  • visiting the library

  • want to be a better parent

  • watch your child progress

  • what 10 things divorced parent should do to promote positive child adjustment

  • what 3 greatest gift you can give to your children by co parenting

  • what divorce parenting practices is best appropriate for an infant

  • what divorce parenting practices is best appropriate for preschoolers

  • what divorce parenting practices is best appropriate for school age children

  • what divorce parenting practices is best appropriate for toddlers

  • what is good parenting

  • what julia roberts has to say about motherhood

  • what not to give for mothers day

  • what parents should do for children to do their best after divorce

  • what the matter is

  • what to look for when choosing baby furniture

  • what we teach our children

  • what you can learn about life from your child

  • what you can learn about life from your children

  • what you should know about scholarships

  • when children are asking for love

  • when parents disagree

  • when time out dont work

  • when your baby arrives

  • where do your priorities fit

  • white noise for baby stops colic crying fast

  • whole brained grandparenting the baby gift

  • who are your kids talking to online

  • who will be their guardian

  • why kids toys are for kids

  • why other children are rejecting your child

  • will the angels abandon us

  • words of wisdom for single parents

  • writers block

  • youre a mom shes a mom being an adult with your parents

  • your babys colic

  • your childs most basic needs

  • your job as a role model

  • your kids career whose choice

  • you make me sick and other things parents say in anger

  • you want to be a stay at home parent

  • you want whaaat