Can we please all agree to make this post a non-judgmental space today? Just like most other parents I am simply trying to do the best I can, and just like most parents—I do not claim to have all the answers. And as a result of some recent non-judgmental and constructive feedback from blog readers, I've been doing some thinking...and my thoughts are this: I never want my daughters to have to worry about food (or anything for that matter).
People sometimes imply that allowing your children to have free rein on junk food means "letting your kid be a kid," but in reality I think they are confusing "eating junk food" with the happy-go-lucky, carefree feeling we often see in children. And in my opinion there are many ways to achieve that bliss, which I can assure you, is not only from junk food.
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But I am the first to admit it's not easy to constantly find that fine line between standing up for what you believe in (nourishing my children with the healthiest foods on the planet!) and also not being too uptight. Whether we like it or not, there is a social aspect to junk food. I tell my husband all the time "we've been there done that" ...therefore I don't care if I never again chow down on a Little Debbie Snack, a box of Nerds, or a Push Up (really, I don't). But my children have not had the same experiences as me and no matter how much they "understand" why those foods are unhealthy who can blame them for wanting to see what they are all about? They are literally surrounded by this stuff on a regular basis - just look at school lunch rooms, TV commercials, and even check-out lines at the store.
The Feedback I Couldn't Ignore
Aside from our 100-day pledge (which ended in 2010) we have never been fully restrictive on what our girls can and can't eat. We certainly eat almost all "real food" at home, but now that our pledge is over our children indulge in processed "treats" at birthday parties, school celebrations, friend's houses, etc. I certainly wish they weren't offered junk food at so many events, but this is reality and I try not to stress about it (although I have become more involved at their school in hopes of continuing to see positive changes there). We also usually offer our girls a "once a week treat," which is pretty much the only time we eat any big sweets (other than a super dark chocolate square), but more often than not they have junk food elsewhere so others were almost always beating me to the punch when it came treat time. This means our treats together as a family didn't happen very often—or if they did my daughters would have to decide to forgo a treat that was being offered to them by someone else. Watching them make these decisions is what started bothering me deep down.
Then it just so happens that last weekend we had the chance to buy our kids their weekly treat, and by request we headed out for donuts (which I shared with this picture on Facebook). It was on that post where an interesting discussion started.
Although I can't always sit down and read every single comment personally anymore—I do read a lot of them and value what our readers have to say. And I certainly did not overlook the comment from Erin that said, "Actually, excessive discussion of 'good' food and 'bad' food can play a large role on eating disorders." Nor did I overlook the New York Times article that Marie shared that is entitled, "What’s Eating Our Kids? Fears About ‘Bad’ Foods." Then (as if I didn't already have my knickers in a twist enough) a kind reader emailed me personally and said:
"When I see your daughter questioning her food, I am encouraged by her awareness, but also concerned. I did the same thing, and my mom—who was also hyper-aware of food (and for good reason!)—encouraged this in me. I eventually become afraid of the food and restricted anything that wasn't 'healthy' —until nothing was (at the same time I over-exercised, because exercise was healthy too). It all made sense—until it didn't. I just encourage you, from the bottom of my heart, to be careful and aware and honest—but also leave some space for 'food to be food'—that's become my mantra." - 100 Days of Real Food Reader
Our Outlook Going Forward
I can truthfully tell you I have never even dabbled in eating disorders, although I (unfortunately) know many friends who have. Therefore I am no stranger to the subject and it's of course not something I would ever want my daughters to struggle with. So literally right then and there I had a discussion with my husband and we agreed to make a slight change. As soon as my daughters came home from school I told my 2nd grader, "We've decided that you can eat the foods you are offered (within reason) when you are not at home, and they will not count as your 'once a week treat.' The weekly treats we will buy or make together as a family will happen no matter what. Mommy feeds you so much good, real food at home and that's where you eat most of the time. You are such a healthy girl who is an excellent eater and also gets plenty of exercise so eating junk food at school or with friends once or twice a week could never erase that. Now eating cupcakes everyday (or twice a day) would not be a good thing, but a couple times a week is nothing for anyone to worry about." And you know what, in the grand scheme of things—even though my daughters have their moments of course—they both really are super good eaters. They eat a wide variety of whole foods including lots of vegetables and are also fairly willing to try new things. So I wasn't just talking the talk with her—even with highly processed junk food often feeling like my personal nemesis, I truly believe that eating it on occasion will not erase all that goodness.
And interestingly enough, even though my daughters have honestly never verbalized a complaint about our frequency of treats before, my 8-year-old seemed to really understand what I was telling her and even acted a little happy about this change. My kindergartner is still oblivious to quite a lot and frankly doesn't even know what day it is half the time, so I spared her this "talk" because I didn't think she'd even notice the difference at her age. But I do think what will go even further than this change is for me to (continue to) not act like the occasional junk food they eat is the end of the world (i.e. no guilt trip) while still educating them in a casual, non-threatening manner. I have also always been super careful about never criticizing my body in front of them, and I think that is another very important part of raising daughters with a healthy image as well. Now this parenting gig is something I am figuring out as I go (just like everyone else!) so we may continue to make adjustments as we move forward...but I can say that I do feel good about our renewed direction.
So today my 8-year-old came home from school and announced, "I had 3 oreos at lunch since it was a friend's birthday." Then she told me, "I read the ingredients, too." And I said with a surprise, "Oh really, what did it say?" then with a laugh she said "I don't remember." Sounds like we are on the right track with having a carefree, worry-free kid who is slightly more aware than the others. :)
Beth says
I just have a funny story to share. Many years ago, when my oldest two kids were about 4 and 6 (and I did not buy sugar coated cereals--except when we went camping and bought the small multi-box set of cereals), they were staying with a single lady who worked for my their dad. She bought some "kid cereals" to have for them that weekend and told me when we picked them up that when she offered it to them my 4 year old son told her, "No thank you, we aren't allowed to have 'junk cereal'" LOL!
Misty says
So beautifully put! It goes to show that life is an evolving thing. Your new stance on foods is the one I take with my little one. It makes me happy to know that when Grandma offers to take him for Mcnuggets, that he refuses because (in his words) "It's not REAL chicken!" But, I know that he will never turn down the offer for ice cream & will ask for extra sprinkles! And, I'm ok with that. He is aware of what he eats & really is a great eater and, I still want him to be a kid & enjoy ice cream with extra sprinkles with Grandma. He won't make those choices his whole life & if I'm raising him to be aware of his food, then he'll make good choices when he's older. So, Kudos to you! I know that this was stretching for you & I commend you for evolving with life for the greater good of your family!
Suzie says
Awesome! You're doing what mothering is all about. Preparing them for taking care of themselves. What you are teaching them now will last a lifetime. Even if they break away from healthy foods after they move out, it will be temporary, they'll come back to it. :)
Julie says
What an excellent and helpful post! I try my best to feed my family whole foods and have made huge improvements in our eating over the past 6 months (when I first discovered your blog). I have a 5 year old daughter. As we grocery shop together she often asks for crackers or cereals that I won't buy due to all the bad ingredients and the other day she actually said "why do companies make stuff for kids that aren't healthy for them????" Poor girl :(. I started feeling like I was going overboard with the restrictions. My daughter is a worrier by nature and after reading this post I see that I can make some modifications in my explanations and know that she eats healthy at home and the majority of the time. I feel that I can give in to some of her requests to see what else is out there so that she can learn to make her own informed decisions. Thanks for all the information and knowledge and support you provide to us!!!
Aleisha says
Good for you! I've come up with pretty much the same conclusion. Food is such a social thing. and although I can provide and control what we eat in our own home, I can't and shouldn't control other people and what they're willing to give to me and my kids. I was raised to be grateful to any food provided by another, and I want that lesson to be learned by my kids too. So on valentines day when my friend uses shortening in her frosting for the sugar cookies (and food dye), and other times when other friends invite us over for lunch serve partially hydrogenated PB and J., I set the example by smiling and saying thank you. It's a hard thing to find that fine line, but I like you, try my best. I also never say anything about body image to my kids other then they're growing up to be such beautiful kids that I'm proud of :)
Tonia says
I was pleased to read your post today. I am an overweight mom that switched to healthy eating over 3 years ago. I have 5 children and because I have always struggled with a weight issue(runs in the family) I was determined that my kids would be a healthy weight and eat better. None of my kids have a weight issue for which I am truly thankful. While we still indulge in the occasional snacks, I do try to make all my snacks for the kids and of course encourage them to choose fruits and veggies!! Thrills my soul when my youngest comes in and chooses a carrot over the homemade cookies that I have. My daughter married 2 years ago and her in laws are obsessed with being skinny. They equate being healthy with being as thin as possible. They treat food like a necessary evil and try to change every recipe to make it barely edible so they won't indulge. They believe anyone to have a weight problem is just lazy and disgusting. They have actually cut off our family and will have nothing to do with me or my kids because I am heavy. I have never felt condemned by your posts and I have never got the feeling that you were going about it the wrong way. However, it is a positive that you are being aware of how what you say can affect your daughter's feelings about themselves and others. Thank you for your work to make recipes available to those of us working hard to change our lives for the better!!! You are an inspiration and your posts encourage me to make even more changes to what we eat!!! Sometimes when I am shopping I think about something that you have said about the additives in our food and I will say, no we don't need that!! You are doing a great job!!! Shalom and Be Blessed!!
cheryl says
Tonia:
That is damaging! Skinny doesn't mean healthy! It's sad your daugher's in laws have cut your family off but at the same time you don't need that horrible negativity. Talk about food issues!
Alicia says
What a great post. Thank you for sharing with us. I've gotten somewhat uptight with my family's eating as well. I'm just recently focusing on being less uptight about it. My kids eat very well most of the time, and like you, I am learning that the occasional cookie, cupcake, or something processed isn't the end of the world. My son (age 6) loves spaghettios, however, he has had maybe one can in the last year. Today we were at the regular grocery store picking up a couple things and I asked him what he would like to get for lunch. He asked for spaghettios. I told him that he could get them and they would be a very occasional "treat". Your girls (and my children) will probably be healthy eaters because of the good examples we are setting for them. A little wiggle room is just fine ;)
Aimee says
Great post, but I enjoy all of your posts. It is obvious that all the nutritional decisions you make for your family are well thought and come from a place of love. Sometimes as a mom, it's a great thing for me to step back and "roll with it!" Thank you for all the wonderful information you share with us!
sANDY says
I was a single parent of three at a time when baby bonus was $6.00 a month and we lived on $376 a month paying out $232 a month in rent, the rest of my income went on food and clothing. My children didnt know what processed food was, junk food was something they only got on birthdays such as pop and chips. Living on good wholesome food didnt hurt them one bit and I think they are better for it. Obesity today is rampant in our culture and I believe it is a direct result of junk food, pop and processed food, remember that old adage "you are what you eat" and dont even buy that stuff if you want your children to be healthy, but at the same time look out for genetically altered foods, they are not good for you.......just saying
Heather Anderson says
This was a great post! I have been into real food a long time and faced this issue over the years. When my oldest was just a little boy we were fanatics about only eating healthy food. It was very rare that we indulged in junk food even at a party. Over the years we have learned some of the lessons you are learning now, but it took a long time. Real Food can become an idol that we put above everything else including relationships, and can in its own way become destructive. I still love Real Food, and pretty much fix only healthy meals, but I will be honest, we even get take out pizza and ice cream occasionally. We are all still healthy!
Annie says
I like that you considered this issue and wrote about it. I have a young daughter as well, so the topic of eating disorders has certainly been on my mind as well, when I think about her entering adolescence. Here is what I love about the real food approach to eating: I feel that this stance actually gives my kids more control in their life, instead of less. (And while I know that eating disorders are complex, in my heart, I believe that a lot of it is about control.) My husband and I never force food. Never. We have never insisted that our kids clean their plate, and we provide seconds on the occasions when someone feels hungry enough for that. We have never asked a teacher or a babysitter to make the kids eat anything. We leave a bunch of options to offer (fruit, yogurt, veggies etc) and what gets eaten gets eaten and the rest is saved, if possible. We talk about the way that healthy food makes us feel, and we reflect on the way that sometimes junk makes us tired or cranky. There is no conversation about fat or weight. For us, offering healthy food is not about criticizing or evaluating. It is about inviting everyone to a meal, sharing the joy of a tomato fresh off the vine, cooking something together that nourishes. It is my hope that when the magazines, skinny jeans, diets, and society's idea of "pretty" start to encroach, that my daughter will always have a way back to health and happiness because she has experienced that healthy approach in her childhood. This blog has been a great place for ideas and inspiration!
Deb says
This was a great post! :)
Isolde says
This is something I constantly struggle with. I have a (very active, but slightly overweight)7-year-old daughter and an almost-two daughter without weight issues. I am (mostly) recovered from 24 on-and-off years of anorexia and bulimia. My mother was obsessed with diet and it rubbed off on me. I've been trying not to do the same with my girls, so we never discuss weight, but because I *do* have to be careful with what my eldest eats she's limited to one sweet a day. (The baby is too, even though she doesn't have any issues.) It's frustrating to have to police like this when her teachers and other parents hand out processed sugar hand over fist, and it makes me angry when I never get to treat her because everyone else already has. She has turned down her after-lesson candy many times because she'd rather have something else, and I don't know that that's a bad thing. We otherwise eat super-healthy whole foods, and she loves a lot of fruits and veggies. I don't know the right answer but I think what matters is that we as parents care about figuring that out.
Lori Cohen says
You think much the way I do. My kids are now teens and tweens and the self-image/weight thing is so much the issue in our house. I try to use words like "make healthy choices", "put good fuel into your body", "all things in moderation". I don't say I or anyone is overweight; I try to say that I don't feel good, or I don't feel fit, or someone has made a lot of unhealthy choices. It's awful that junky food is offered everywhere we go and when friends are over to our house, I try to offer plenty of healthy choices, but I also have to have one or two 'nearly junky foods' just so my kids don't feel like we are a drag. It bothers me that I have to do that, but I just have to keep on keeping on. Good luck staying the course!
Carrie says
Love this post. We've started to change many of our habits here at home, but I'm trying to walk that fine line. Thankfully, my oldest are boys, who just eat and don't stress out too much about what's in food, but my youngest is a girl, and I don't want her to grow up with an unhealthy relationship with food. What I try to do is offer good choices, limit the bad ones at home, and talk with them if they ask. I don't ever want them to feel like that if they eat a cupcake at school, it will be a horrible thing, but I also want them to know what is good for their bodies and what's not. Now, if only I could get my husband on the same track as me (Cheez Its, anyone?).
Trust me, parenting is constant trial and error. My oldest is 11, and there are definitely days that I wonder if I'm totally screwing up. (Then there are the days I'm pretty sure I've got it right. :) )
rebecca says
I recently started telling myself:
"I can eat whatever I want. That's because I have trained my body to mostly want things that are good for it."
From what I have read, this is the attitude you have developed in your kids. Being a rigid fanatic about anything is not healthy. I think it's more important to know that we are each in control of our own actions. If your kids tend to make the "better" choices, despite the occasional "less ideal" choice, congratulations, they're great human beings! Keep up the good work!
Sarah says
Can I just say that you are an inspiration?! I have a 14 month old and I have been struggling with what to feed him to the point of obsession. I completely understand where you are coming from. You are just a mom trying to make the best nutritional decisions for the people who rely on you the most. I mean if you don't care, who will? You are not the norm and that's why you stick out! I have exclusively pumped breast milk to my now 14 month old son who never latched! I'm not giving up or stopping until he's at least 2. He's had nothing but organic mostly prepared by me food and he's as healthy as he can be! He's only had
2 minor colds mostly due to teething. Everyone pressures me to stop pumping and give him cows milk. People say I'm "weird". Well at the end of the day, who cares? You are giving your girls a gift. That is health and a lifetime of proper nutrition! I didn't have that as a kid and struggled with eating poorly and losing and gaijin weight. In my opinion, their health and nutrition is the number one most important thing! You are obviously a mom who encourages communication with your family too. Don't worry about what others think. You are doing an amazing job and your girls are so lucky to have you on their team. Have a fabulous Mother's Day! :)
Shallon says
Wow, exclusing pumping! I applaud you. My sister did it for 6 mo, and I know it was a lot of work for her. I wish you the best in your extended breastfeeding, I am doing it for the second time. If you haven't already, look up "Primate Breastfeeding Research" - very interesting - and it concludes that weaning age should be between 2.5-6yrs old! So don't listen to those nay-sayers and continue as long as you are up to it.
Ryan says
Thank you for sharing. I have three daughters and I am trying so hard to ensure that they grow up with a healthy self body image as well as an understanding of good food choices. I am having to explain to our friends our venture on cutting out food dyes and processed foods. I am glad that their school does not allow treats and unhealthy foods for celebrations. (I am of the minority that is happy about this! LOL!) I applaud you for helping your children make good food choices now and for teaching them how to identify what ingredients to look for. It's not an easy job, I feel like I am always fighting against something. But it is my job as their parent to ensure that they are healthy. Hope you have a wonderful mother's day!!!
Brendan Coburn says
Love this article!! There's a fine line between feeding your children real, wholesome food and making them neurotic about what they eat.
We obviously don't want to be feeding our children oreos and cupcakes all the time, but it would be even worse in my opinion to restrict their eating and set them up for disordered eating in the future. Keep up the good work!
Lauren H says
Lisa- you are an inspiration to me!! I am 24 yrs old and am going to be having children in the next couple of years. This is exactly how I want to raise my children! I also love how open you are with them and have real conversations.
As a school teacher, I am so happy to see parents who are willing to put forth effort in to sending kids healthy treats or snacks to school. There is no better time to start food education then at a young age!
heather says
Wow. This one really hit home for me. We have recently eliminated food dyes from my 4 kids diets and feel like that nazi mom who slaps someone's hand at the drs office when they try and offer my kids a lollipop. My 11 yr old says I'm ridiculous, and I don't want to raise children with food issues, but I sure don't want to feed them garbage like food dyes either. :(
Megan says
When we were on a Disney Cruise my 7 year old came from the breakfast buffet with her food and mentioned how she didn't get a donut because she knew I wouldn't like it. It really bothered me. I made sure to grab a donut when I went through the line and give it to her. She was shocked. I had issues with food as a young girl and that is the last thing I want for her. We eat well at home so I really don't have an issue with occasional treats however the "treats" are constant outside our home and I feel if I didn't limit it somewhat they would consume a lot of terrible food. I feel like our family treat times that I look forward to are not as enjoyable because I know the kids have had 10 "treats" already that week. It's frustrating. I make sure they see me enjoying treats and we have a "eat dessert with every meal" rule on vacation. On a daily basis I'm just trying to impress on them the idea of "real" food vs factory food. They enjoying thinking about whether a food came from a tree, the ground or an animal (in which case go for it) or the absurdity of a donut tree or Oreo bush and we try to limit those foods.
Nicole DeFrancesco Cagna says
I appreciate your blog. We too have raised our 14 month old to eat healthy. I am so focused on ingredients that we have removed our home of all toxic things. I also make my own detergent, soap, baby food, etc. It started because I have an auto-immune disease that is triggered by toxins in every day products and foods. Since we have gone all natural in every sense of the word, I have been feeling so much better and my pain is minimized. My husband and I have also talked about how we will handle birthday parties and such. I told him that it is not unreasonable to allow reasonable treats during a special occasion, but unfortunately toxic is toxic and we must make our child aware of the poison that the FDA allows in our food. I am not trying to make him paranoid, but aware. That being said, I will not prevent him from having a piece of birthday cake at a party, but at school, packed lunches will be the norm. There won't be a "treat" per week of chemical ridden foods, because to me that implies that they are rewards of some sort when in reality they are cancer causing chemicals. There is real food and there is fake food, but often times fake food is dangerous food. So while I agree with allowing children the occasional piece of birthday cake, that is as far as I am willing to go.
Laura Downing says
Wonderful. You have progressed through the exact same stages we did when we went on the Feingold Diet for our childrens' allergies & asthma (they were 5 & 3 then...15 & 13 now). So much has changed in my "food-mantra" yet so much remains the same. I also noticed some "hyper-food" awareness in my kids...it bothered me...and I eased up a bit...and you know...it was a very good thing. They know what is good for them, they can tell when they have eaten too much junk (they feel "funky and unwell") and best of all...they still love me and embrace my "food nazi" ways!! You are doing a fantastic job...keep up the GREAT work for your families wellness!!
Amber says
It seems like, as parents, we worry about SO much with our kids. I feel like I question and second-guess almost all of my parenting decisions, big or small. (Does it ever get better? I'm only 2 year into it...) :)
Thank you for putting your thoughts out there! I thoroughly enjoy reading your blog. We have made a lot of changes in the way we eat, and reading 100 Days always encourages me!
Melissa B says
Thank you for your heartfelt post. I enjoy reading your updates on my Facebook. I raised my children with "traditional" American food up until about 4 years ago. Unfortunately, trying to make them more aware of what they're eating and changing our diet to more nutritious food has been a bit of a struggle, especially for my teenagers. But we are working on it. I would like to be farther ahead in the process than we are, but looking at those around me I see that we are way ahead of the majority on this. I just can't believe HOW MUCH junk, processed, artificial, boxed, fast-food, you name it-- food people eat on a daily basis. It's a wonder the human raise is even surviving!! My children are bombarded from every side with temptations for things that are not good for you and it is frustrating as a mom because they often see me as the "bad guy" because I limit most of our home-food to whole, nutritious items. No matter what recipes I try my kids view it as "awful". The fight is often wearying. And I totally relate to what you said about everyone beating you to the punch with treats. Thanks for your post. I'm glad to know that there are others out there who are "trying" to do what's right for their kids and not buying into all the lies.
Jacquie says
Keep up the good work. Remember--YOU'RE the mama to those darling children and want only the best choices for them. You have inspired thousands and thousands of children and adults to eat better. My hubby and I did the 100 day challenge and although we're non-grain, non-sugar now (I guess that's Primal), you gave us a fresh start. We applaud you.
Karen says
Great post. I'm pretty strict at home with what my 3y.o. can eat in terms of providing a balanced diet - not many sweet treats unless they're home made, and mostly whole wheat etc. I agree with your new approach. It's similar to the approach we use with our daughter and it seems to work well. Moderation and flexibility are key - at parties or friends houses, she can eat what she chooses and I'm ok with that, knowing that she has such a balanced and diverse (more diverse eater than many adults I know!) diet. Thanks for your blog - it has inspired some changes in our household too.
maple_kiwi says
Mfoodother and sil have a great system that I am introducing with my toddlers. There is no good or bad food, there is always any time food (fruits, veges they can have any time), every day food (breads, meats and things they would have daily but not necessarily snack any time on), and then sometimes food (treats that they only have on occasion)
Mary Jo says
I like this article. I struggle with the exact same situation with my kids. My friends who wonder if I am doing the right thing by being whole foods plant based ask about my kids. I tell them, "it took me 38 years to figure out the right way for my body to eat to feel great, I will impart my knowledge on my kids, and let them make choices for themselves. And maybe when they are 38 and still active and super healthy, they can decide once and for all to be wholefoods plant based." Some days my kids say "no thank you" to the junk food offered at every event. Some days, they dig in. Food is not a fight I want to put my foot down on, there are other non-negotiables that I am sure I will face in the teen years. I will save my foot for those.
kim pedigo says
Thanks for your sharing of thoughtful ideas. It makes us all take pause and reflect on how we talk about food, health and nutrition. Your kids may stray periodically as they age but the foundation you have built for them (eating and loving healthy foods) will stay with them for a lifetime. I too worry when I see my five year olds synapses firing with a mouthful of sugary junk but I stop and breathe a sigh of relief when he devours a bowl or broccoli or Kale chips. Teaching him to be healthy and strong is one of the best gifts I can give him.
Robin Miller says
Wow, I really liked this article, my own mother is very healthy, eats organic when possible, very clean, and makes most everything from scratch - bread, cereal, etc. Growing up we never had processed foods, flavored chips, pop, or store bought popsicles. I would always ask my mom why my lunch wasn't like the other kids at school. My mom always made me a sandwich with homemade bread outta the bread machine and this really bothered me to the point that I told her I no longer liked sandwiches in my lunch, just b/c my lunch looked nothing like the other kid's processed lunches and I was embarrassed. This eventually led to eating disorders for me of sorts. As soon as I got to high school I started making sure I ate what the other kids ate, and in a way that was my teenage rebellion. I sadly got addicted to a lot of junk foods and gained weight when I strayed from the healthy diet my mom fed me. As an adult I ate what I wanted out of rebellion, because I was not allowed those foods as a child, now I was free to buy and eat all I wanted. Now as a overweight adult, I've finally come full circle and I see where my mother was coming from, but it took me a long time to get there. I have two daughters to think about now and how I'm going to approach food with them. I'm glad you wrote this article, it's given me a lot to think about- I think my stand will be feed them as cleanly at home as possible and let them eat what they are offered elsewhere.
Melissa says
I really admire your thoughtful and reflective thinking. Not everyone can stop and reevaluate a situation (especially when emotions are involved) and make changes to benefit your children. Way to go!
Jess Kohring says
This is a great post. I battled an eating disorder when I was in high school that stemmed largely from the labeling of foods as "good" or "bad" when I was growing up. Thankfully, I was able to beat it and no longer struggle with it. To end the pattern that ran through my family for generations I have made my whole family (more than one of which struggled with eating disorders) change the way we talk about food. People are not allowed to use the terms "good" or "bad". Instead we talk about the nourishment that food gives your body. Whole foods provide a lot of nourishment and provide the fuel that your body needs to stay healthy. More processed foods provide less, or none, of that fuel. I've found it to be much less stigmatized than the other terms. This is just my personal experience though.
And from what I have had the pleasure of reading, you are a fabulous mom and your daughters are super lucky to have such a wonderful and caring role model.
Marie says
I agree with you wholeheartedly! - and I really appreciate your honesty and willingness to share a direction change. That takes courage:)
Girl and Her Kitchen says
I love your blog and think you are doing an amazing job! Kids will be kids and treats are ok! The important thing is that you are helping them make wise decisions about food and that will help them when they are older. You are also feeding them such a wide variety of clean foods that they are eating! You are amazing and your blog is one of my favorites. You are an inspiration! Happy Mother's Day!
Mary Ellen says
As always, Lisa, thank you for sharing. It takes a strong woman and mommy to open yourself (and your family) up to the scrutiny of honesty, even when you are helping others! I truly appreciate the heart of your work in making us all healthier! Praying for your decisions, your blog, and our healthy outlook on food in our lives. Happy mommy's day!
Krissy Rafidi says
Excellent post! Whole foods are so important...but so is balance!
Natalie says
Thank you for this article and also for standing up for the health of your children. I really enjoy your thoughts and I hope I can raise my little girl to be free from the hold that food has over so many of us.
Maggie says
Great article! It is really great that you are teaching your children the right way to eat. Yes, in this world we have food that is not healthy for us. I know its not going to "kill" us if we eat some of those things sometimes, but its better to do the best we can so we can take care of our bodies and serve the Lord. I try to feed my children whole foods too and you are right they do eat better and try new things. I don't think they would do this if I didn't offer them the good foods. I love reading your blog. Many people associate junk food with happiness and a kid being a kid but deep down that's not what makes kids happy. The love and quality time spent with your children is what makes them happy. I am thankful for your website and wish you the best! May the Lord continue to bless you with discernment and wisdom.