Am I Being Too Strict?

Hi- I didn't read the other posts but wanted to say you are right not to serve your daughter that junk. Honestly , when consumed everyday it is absolute poison. I too notice a lot of other kids eating junk regularly as lunch and breakfast and it's sad. There's nothing wrong with a treat, but that's what it should be not a regular daily thing. As your girl grows up there will be more and more "treats" served at school and from friends so if she's eating it at meals too it'll be way too much. Your original idea not to serve that stuff is right, just because it seems everyone else does it doesn't make it healthy. I'm certain that over the next 10 years or so America will wake up and realize what the are doing to their children and hopefully change the menu! As for what to feed her for breakfast, remember it doesn't have to be traditional breakfast food, here's some ideas:
Any type of fruit
Raisons or other dried fruit (my kids like apricots)
Natural cereal w/o tons of sugar
Fruit leathers
Homemade muffins so you control what's in them
bagel w/cc
yogurt
celery w/cc
PB & J on wheat
applesauce
Whatever she likes for lunch can be served for breakfast too. Great job on parenting and being concerned about your daughter's health!

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If your daughter is 16 months (isn't that what you mentioned in a previous post?) then I would keep doing what you're doing. They don't need all that sugar and processed food. While it is okay every once in a while (the daycare giving her a cookie for snack time for example) you don't want it to comprise their MEALS. There is precious little nutrition in cereal, despite all the "added vitamins" they advertise on the box, and almost NO protein.

I would try to expand with things like apple slices, cheese cubes, yogurt, strawberries, etc.

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We've always encouraged a healthy way of eating for my son, too. However, he does request things he sees at school. For a fruit loop replacement you can buy the fruit loop looking Cheerios. I make my own applesauce now but I used to buy the "no sugar added" variety. For cookies I make my own but allow the occassional Oreo or "junky" food. I make a type of trail mix and throw a few chocolate chips in for fun. Not a ton but a pinch won't hurt and it's a fun surprise.

I'm not sure how old your daughter is or if you are feeding her at school but if she likes to dip you could do fruit and yogurt for breakfast. My son also really likes hardboiled eggs. If she will eat cheese then that is a great add-on. Will she drink smoothies? I make mine at home without adding sugar. My son also likes frozen waffles and homemade french toast but when he was little I would just sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top and he would eat that rather then syrup. I would never consider giving my son a donuts, Pop Tarts, or cookies for breakfast but know many people do.

I was worried being too strict would cause rebellion or sneaky food behavior so we opted for an "everything in moderation" approach. If he makes healthy choices he may have a treat. When he was really little he thought 3 Skittles was the ultimate in treat. Now that he's gotten older he might choose a juice pop, soy pudding, or the occassional cookie.

Whatever you do remember to stay flexible...your ideas and her needs may change over time. Don't feel guilty for creating a healthy diet for her but equally don't feel guilty for the occassional cookie or nugget.

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No, I don't think you are being too strict. It's your decision what to feed your child, and no one can tell you that you are wrong. In fact, I think you are doing great!

I don't allow the full-sugar cereals and have been able to find plenty of options that satisfy my kids. (Full disclosure -- when the Grandparents bring over doughnuts, of course I allow those treats! And they eat mac-and-cheese at the Grandparent's house too.) For breakfast, my kids love to eat MultiGrain Cheerios (they are slightly sweetened), Rice Krispies (although this doesn't have any fiber), Kix, or Crispix. Giving them the choice between all 4 seems to make them quite happy. Can you put a bowl of a new cereal in front of her and tell her "This is today's breakfast! Isn't it awesome!" Of course, I have it easier in that my kids are not sitting around other kids that have the sugary food.

As for the daycare center, I wonder if you and some other like-minded Moms could ask the daycare to rotate some non-sugary snacks throughout the week. There is nothing wrong with cookies and wafers every once in a while, but they can also be serving pretzels or apple slices instead.

But please don't give up...there are plenty of healthy choices out there! I'm sure tons of Moms will give you some great ideas!

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You are NOT being too strict and good for you! She already is getting some of the junk food, why have it available to her all the time? And fruit loops are garbage.
I'm not overly strict either but wish I had been more informed when my kids were younger. At least now as teenagers, they understand that I will only buy soda for this special occasion and when it's gone it's gone. I don't buy garbage cereals, or a bunch of cookies, crackers, cakes, do nuts etc because there are enough opportunities out there for them to get that kind of stuff. I remember my mother in law commenting one time that when all the grand kids would stay my kids were always the first to grab the crappy cereals, like she was saying "HA, they eat it" Of course they do, because they don't get it at home.
She (all of you) are probably so much healthier and will be in the long run. Don't second guess yourself. Check out what Dr. Sears has to say about that stuff at www.askdrsears.com

Good luck and in good health,

L. Krause, RN, Certified Dr. Sears L.E.A.N. Coach
www.YourKitchenCoach.net

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I am the same way when we are in the house. BUt when we are somewhere else I let kids have what their friend's have.(since it's not very often I think it's ok).
Our God son's parents were very strict with junk food at their house. We took him on vacation one time and stayed at the friend's house. He found 2 bags of candy in the cabinet,went to the bathroom and ate them both in the matter of minutes(he was 10)
YOu know there are healthy options out there that look just like "junk food"
There are organic cereals that look like fruit loops, it's sweet, but no refined sugar is used. Kashi makes great cookies that are packed with fiber and protein,yet again no refined sugar.

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There are some alternatives that are similiar to what the other kids are having, but healthier. I give my girls Fruit-a-bu roll ups... which look like fruit roll ups, but are made of almost entirely smushed fruit, and no sugar. They also have "fruit leather" which is the same thing as the fruit-a-bu, except smaller.
You can also buy unsweetened applesauce, or there is "Healthy harvest" applesauce sweetened only with fruit juice... no added sugar.
Cheerios has fruity cheerios, which look like fruit loops, except the first ingredient isn't sugar!!!! I don't even know why anyone would buy their kids fruit loops.

You are not too strict. Your way is healthier. Unfortunately soon she will be begging food off the other kids. Stick to it as long as she will eat what you send! If the day comes that she is throwing away what you send or it comes back home uneaten then you may want to re-consider. Keep it 90% healthy and add in something as a dessert.

I personally let our kids have those items, but they're not the only source of food they get, and they're a treat vs. normal fare.

For instance, last night was hectic. My husband had a last minute MRI for a possible stress fracture, we got home late, had yard work, cranky kids, etc.
Dinner was some butter noodles, some string cheese and some fresh fruit.

Because our lives are hectic, we get stuck in bad traffic, we have too many commitments, companies have capitalized on having prepared options available. They wouldn't exist if there wasn't the market, but I don't think most parents take the time to really read the label and understand what it all means. I only have that basis of knowledge because of my professional exposure to Registered Dieticians for many years. Not sure if I'd check how much sodium is in a product otherwise.

The rule in our house is that there always has to be a fruit or a vegetable with the meal - even when we're in a rush. We've found Costco to be a good source of cheap fruits/vegetables that are easy to wash and put on a plate.

Sams Club carries bulk quantities of a lot of good protein bars (including Clif's kids' bars) that are pretty decent on carbs (especially sugar), sodium, have good protein and relatively decent on calories.

I worked in the world of Diabetes for 8 years, so perhaps I've seen too much and know too much. I don't know what caused me to develop cancer 2 years ago, but I think about it every day when preparing meals for my kids.

I hope more and more people watch Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution online to really understand the differences between what is actually healthy and what is available en masse.

In my opinion, the sugary cereals and snacks should be reserved for special occasions or "sometimes food". Keep teaching your daughter to eat healthy, she does not have to eat junk just because the other kids are. They are making alot more kid friendly organic cereal. Some of the organic cereal still has a high sugar content. However, the sugar content comes from natural sources such as the added fruit. The sugar content in regular kids cereal usually comes from junk such as high fructose corn syrup.

If she is eye balling the other kids treats, you can send her in with a healthy home made muffin or a cookie once in awhile still healthier than the store bought food. Or give her a pudding instead of donuts or oreos
atleast the pudding has calcium so she is getting some nutritional value and a treat.

I make my kids chocolate chip muffins made with yogurt and whole wheat flour. Healthier than the alternative and they love them. If you want the recipe e-mail me and I will give it to you.

Actually the kids cereals now do have some nutrition. They have added fiber, cut back on the sugar and are trying to make them a little better for our kids. Maybe try KIX we love KIX at our house and then we add fresh fruit to it as well. Eating sugary stuff is not going to hurt your child. She can either be taught by you how to eat it in moderation or gorge herself in it whenever you aren't looking. I eat a bowl of cereal every day for breakfast (usually the kids stuff because that's what I like) and I am in perfect health, have great teeth, and am by no means over weight. Just teach your children to make the right decisions now so it will be easier for them in the future.

I think it is great to try to keep meals healthy. It is okay to have sugary foods once in awhile as a treat, but I would never feed my kids donuts, fruit loops, etc. on a regular basis. My kids have a donut every once in a while as a treat (in addition to their healthy breakfast), but they have never had any of the sugary cereals. Nor do they crave them or ever ask for them. Not sure how old your daughter is? What are the usual things that you pack her for breakfast? Here are some healthy options that maybe could add to her selection.

whole wheat mini-bagels
-spread with cream cheese, peanut butter or a slice of cheese.
yogurt
fruit salad
banana & peanut butter on whole wheat bread or whole wheat tortilla
cubed cheese

You are not too strict! There's no reason kids should be fed a bunch of sugary junk.

Stick to your guns. Just because other parents make poor food choices for their children doesn't mean YOU need to call into that trap. There are plenty of HEALTHY choices you can offer your little one: Baby carrots, sliced apples, grapes cut into half, sliced strawberries. If you want her to have some sort of "chips" why not veggie sticks. Instead of sugary cereal offer her mini rice cakes. Yes they have some sugar but not near as much as fruit loops.

My daughter will be 7 in September. Although many children her age are drinking soda and chewing gum, we have NEVER allowed it. She understands at this age that they are not healthy choices. I have even noticed her at birthday parties where they offer Soda, she will ask for water (all on her own!).

Help your little one to develop healthy eating habits now, they will follow her the rest of her life.

My 1 & 3 year old love Nutri Grain bars. They're perfect for rushed daycare days! Not 100% nutrition, but keeps them away from the pre packaged donuts.

You're not being too strict, you are just parenting the way you choose to parent.

However, these foods will not harm her. Kids eat junk food (By the way, I never thought that fruit loops or apple jacks were junk food) and as long as they also get the healthy stuff, it's fine. Pack some cereal for her in a little baggy (Fruit loops, apple jacks, cookie crisps... Other tasty selections), but also pack an apple or banana or some grapes (Whatever she likes). Also, surprise her with a cookie every once in a while. She'll love it! :)

I'm with you. I don't like all the sugary cereals disguised as "healthy." My daughter is 3 and I JUST started letting her have sugared cereal. At my house, if she eats Fruit Loops, Apple Jacks, Lucky Charms, etc for breakfast, her snack MUST be healthy (fruit, applesauce, cottage cheese). Once I let her have the sugary cereals more, she actually ate them less. She'll choose multi-grain cheerios (lightly sweetened but healthy and SO good!) over Fruit Loops. In my personal opinion, if you don't let them eat a little junk now and then, they'll gorge when they are allowed to have it.

Yes , by all means incorperate. As long as she is getting other healthy foods.ie her veggies she will be fine. As a mom we are all aware of how important breakfast is, but keep in mind this will not be her only meal for the day . You can always make up for it at lunch ,snacks and dinner

I let my kids have Fruit Loops and other cereals but I do watch their sugar intake overall. But they never get donuts or cookies for breakfast. I think that is just wrong. I am trying to teach them that you can have "bad" foods but you must practice moderation. When my kids do have cookies, it is for a quick snack and limited to 2. As my first born are getting older, I am trying to teach them that you shold balance your foods, so much protein, etc in the morning to get your day rolling right.

No, I don't think your being too strict at all. We eat healthy at home too, but I do buy healthier versions of cereal, poptart, and cereal bars at Wholefoods so they are not totally denied. Plus sometimes I need something fast! I also buy Wholefood crackers, peanut butter and their version of an oreo cookie. I don't want to deny my kids or have them obsess with cravings, or feel like they are missing out by being healthy. :) We talk about it so they understand and that seems to work.

I'm strict with food when kids are young. When they get older, there's not much you can do but only pray they understand the concepts. Are there some organic, non-sugar full cereals you could try. I gave up on segmenting breakfast food and lunch food though. My kids ate what they ate anytime of the day. I can say that my children are very healthy teenagers now and though they eat sweets, mostly they try to eat healthy with loads of fruits and veggies if I mix them into the main dish.

my daughter gets donuts on special occasions, like when family is visiting or we're at great-grandmas. That's also when she gets sugary cereals, as great grandma is very old and we dont want to hurt her feelings when she's trying really hard and once in a while doesnt hurt.

That being said, my daughter gets blueberry waffles every day that I have her for breakfast, so it's not like I'm good at picking. Her daycare lady feeds her breakfast, and I know occasionally she gets chocolate donuts over there, but mostly its waffles, cereal bars, and cheerios with fruit. Fridays is pancake day, which is her favorite. Also, on her waffles, instead of syrup, we use applesauce, which she really likes.

Kari is so right in her post. Please don't go the "easy" route and cave into the "peer" pressure of packing this junk for your daughter. It's important for her to have healthy foods from you to counteract the "junk" she gets at daycare and when she's with friends. Plus, if she isn't used to eating the good stuff, she'll never want to eat it and you'll have trouble getting her to eat your food at home.

Keep doing what you're doing, Mama. You're doing the right thing, promise!

D.

My parents were very strict with me, so when I was an adult I went wild, I had to experience everything I had been denied. I don't think everything is bad for us.

I think breakfast cereals are fine, I don't feed the kids cocoroos every day or even every 6 months but we do eat Frosted Shredded Wheat, Kix, Cheerios of various flavors, Raisin Bran, Honey Bunches of Oats, flavored Oatmeal packets, and Chocolate Malt O Meal. We also eat pancakes and waffles with real butter because the fake stuff is nasty and it's not healthy either.

Many food substitutes are ending up being very unhealthy and taken off the market just to be replaced with something even more unhealthy and without longitudinal studies to back up their long term side effects. I say eat natural foods like sugar, butter, whole milk, and eat proper portions not excessive amounts.

No, you are not being too strict, you are being a good mother. Prepackaged, processed, and fast foods are ruining the health of everyone in this country. I cook, and by "cook" I don't mean adding water and heating. And I also bake, I would much rather my kids eat a homemade chocolate chip cookie, than some laden with chemical shelf stable junk from the grocery store. Everything in moderation, but unfortunately we as a society have gotten lazy, and have forgotten what good honest food is, and our kids are paying for it.

You have already received many responses saying this, but I thought one more would not hurt -- you are NOT being too strict. You are being responsible in not giving your daughter cereals (which some have as much as 60% sugar) and other junk foods, especially for breakfast -- a meal that sets the child's metabolism and energy for the rest of the day. There are many decent cereals out there with less sugar, more fiber, whole grains, etc. While some children who are not offered "junk foods" as a child "go wild" as an adult, I would take the risk. By then it is their choice . . . you have done your job as a parent. Also, the"denied" children may initially go wild, but it is likely that they will eventually go back to the way they were raised and end up raising their child in a healthier manner. It would also be important to explain to your child the restrictions (developmentally appropriate) and make comments such as "man I feel good when I eat those strawberries and yogurt" and "I feel so yucky when I eat cake" and so on when eating various foods. The parent is certainly the biggest model in eating, so do and say the right things. In the end, it may not hurt for a child to have junk food every now and then -- but to give it to them on a daily basis as part of their normal routine is plain criminal (given the health crisis of our nation that largely stems from lifestyle (eating) habits).

You didn't say how old she is, but I'd say as of 6-7 months kids can have cheerios, and if they do well with those, you can move on to fruit loops and apple jacks. However, if the reason you are keeping her away from them is for health reasons, then stick to your guns! There will ALWAYS be kids that get to have things that your kids don't (a lot of kids I knew were allowed to have soda before I let my kids, and now my kids can only have caffine free ones where others get whatever they want - my oldest are 8 & 10). There will always be kids that get a lunch packed with a lunchable, cookies, juice pouch, etc. Those are really NOT healthy! Even the "Roaring Waters" juice/water pouch is still full of high fructose corn syrup! Ok, back to your question. If she CAN eat them and that is your concern, then try them at home and see if you think you should worry about her choaking, etc. If you don't want her to eat them, then there are many choices. There are organic, low sugar equivilents to fruit loops, there are fruity cheerios that are less sugar than fruit loops, you can cut a grape into fours and most kids can eat that from a pretty small age. Has she had raisins? My little one loves raisins (he's 2), you can also do the orgainic fruit puffs, those are great starting about 6 months and all my kids liked them. They also sell what is essentially baby food in a pouch that kids can do themsleves without much help. I know they sell it at Babies R Us/Toys R Us and my little one loved it. The top comes off and they suck on the opening and squeeze it up. There is applesauce, tropic blends, and even broccoli and other blends...to be honest, my little one only liked the applesauce and tropical blend ones, he didn't like the veggie ones. If you are looking for healthy, but more choices, go to the health food store, babies R Us, or even just the grocery store by yourself and spend some time looking at the products and checking the labels. My son also likes nutrigrain bars and granola bars which are better than cookies! If you don't like that she has cookies for a snack, then bring her an alternative, or let that be a special treat. When I taught preschool, the kids only got a few of whatever we served, so it it was animal crackers (another good kid food), they would get maybe 3-5 or so, with a few kids asking for me. It's not the same as at home when you feel you have to keep giving them a snack! Good luck! Just keep trying new things and you'd be surprised. Don't label your kid a picky eater if you don't offer tons of (appropriate) choices for her to try. And, know that it sometimes takes 10 times before someone decideds if they like something, so just keep overing it. Try to get her to take at least 1 bite of everything, and hang in there!

Looks like you have gotten a lot of good points made. You should incorporate some of the "other foods" in her diet as you deem appropriate. If you keep your kid from being able to make good choices, when they can make choices they are going to have a much harder time making the right choice. My oldest daughter (step) was not allowed to even have food at their house (they only went out to eat) and when she would come to our house for the summers she would go crazy and eat a whole box of pop tarts a day, tons of cocoa puffs, candy, and everything else that she was never allowed to eat at her house. She has struggled with her weight ever since. None of our other kids (we have 8) who have had the sugary cerals available (as well as the healthier ones), and other "junk foods" eat them in moderation and have never had a weight problem. We always have fruit and other healthy foods too. Like other mothers have said, we balance it out for them and make sure they always eat some healthy, nutritional things every day and stay active. I know plenty of people who only eat healthy food and are very overweight. Best wishes and God bless!

It all depends on your child. Does she eat healthy foods for other meals like whole grains, fruits and veggies? If she does, and dislikes most breakfast foods, then why not give in on this one meal? I'm not saying donuts and cookies, but a fun cereal that isn't too high in sugar or a breakfast bar or muffins. My 6 year old son who is very tall and slim dislikes most breakfast foods, so he eats a low fat pop tart every school morning(on the weekends he has toast). I think it is better for him to have a full tummy before school than to be too strict and him be hungry. Good luck. Picky eater are tough!!

How old is your daughter? I'd say donuts every so often for breakfast is fine, as well as cereal, but I'm like you, I try to keep my wild 2 1/2 year old away from sugar. There's NOTHING wrong with wanting your child to have a healthy diet, but everything in moderation, right?

I don't let my kids have any of those things. For breakfast, we do things like fruits, yogurt, cheese, applesauce, peanut butter toast. Occassionally pancakes, waffles, things like that - but that is seriously only every once in a while. The sweet type foods don't last and they will only be hungry again in a little while.

I think you're doing fine. Cheerios and Kix are great with or without milk and they are not loaded with sugar. Kids love the cheddar fish, too. My son loves a mini bagel with cream cheese any time of the day. A lot of the treats my son gets at school are just awful - pure sugar in one form or another. But he's not use to getting it all the time or on a regular basis. A few days after Halloween he forgets all about the candy and I quietly throw it out. Sure as they get older they'll want to try other foods, but if you give them good choices, they'll develop some good habits and they'll want an apple before they think of a candy bar.

Well, if the alternative is nothing--a donut is better than NO breakfast.
Fruit is a great breakfast.
I'm a believer in all things on moderation. I don't think a bowl or baggie full of Fruit Loops once or twice per week is going to do any damage. Good luck!

In my personal experience, witnessing my cousin, she was forbidden to have a lot of things. when she got to Jr. high school and was able to choose for herself. she gorged herself on everything she was never able to have as a young child. It took her until mid twenties to lose the weight she put on from eating everything she was deprived of. My feeling is let them try it all. you don't have to keep house stocked with junkfood but on occasion let her try. Don't make food off limits it will only make her want them more.

EnviroKidz Organic cereals are great! MUCH less sugar, natural, simple and healthy ingredients... my daughters favorite is peanut butter and chocolate (they are round balls like tricks or kix... light brown, dark brown in color)... great finger food or with milk... She'll never know the difference and she won't feel like she's missing out. Also, Meijer has an organic cereal line... they have "Fruit Rings"... again, much lower in sugar content, etc. and it looks like Froot Loops. Day care food and school lunch food is not healthy! Yes, it is USDA approved or whatever, but there are enough ingredients in that stuff to keep a science lab intrigued for days! I'm a fan of simple. The fewer ingredients in something the better. If I can't pronounce half of the list of things that go into stuff... we don't eat it, period!! Some sugar is fine in moderation of course... and it is always nice when you can use some things as very special snacks on very special occasions... like when you travel, or are in an unusual situation, or go to a party where all the other kids are eating junk! You won't feel so bad allowing her to indulged during these times because you know that for the most part, she is eating well.

I'm with you! I don't let my kids eat a lot of junk, and that's what is best for us, I don't feel pressured to give them cookies just because other Moms do. they will get "treats" or "junk" on occasion but it doesn't have to be a daily thing, and I do let Grandma spoil them. Kids will always eyeball other kids food no mater what you give them so no worries there.

stick to a health diet, just offer lots of healthy options her tasts will grow as she does, even my picky eater eats healthy!

My personal opinion on this is: don't do it! Once you Introduce 'junk' food, you can't go back. My daughters ( I have 3 ) were fed only healthy, organic foods at first but I made the mistake of letting grandma shower them with sweets when they went to visit.... Now my 2 yr old won't eat anything but ketchup & cheese & I have to practically threaten my 4yr old with an early bedtime to get her to eat anything but weenies for dinner... It's so depressing. I made a wonderful meal the other night with tri-color whole grain pasta, Alfredo sauce, spinach, tomatos & chicken, & it was delicious!! But they wouldn't touch it bc it was GREEN & they both opted for the early bedtime! This happens every time I make something green, or with vegetables or that just looks different. So essentially, in your case, you'd be looking for new options for your daughter & ending up with less options in the end!! UGH! it's aggravating!

I would recommend shopping at different stores. You can find new things at say a Whole Foods store or a Sprouts than at a Tom Thumb! My daughters are very good breakfast eaters fortunatly & I go out of my way to find them neat things that will appeal to them for breakfast! Those fruit leathers, yogurt tubes, flavored oatmeals (or you can flavor your own by using fruit juice instead of water to cook it or add some honey or maple syrup & fruit slices!), one thing I don't have an issue with is fun breakfast cereals! You can get low-sugar versions of most cereals & they are all fortified so even if ur kiddo's getting a bit of sweet, she's still getting loads of vitamins too. My daughters like Trix, Kix & these little peanut butter puffs that are kind of like cocoa puffs but with pb instead of chocolate. I try to avoid chocolate breakfast cereals for them bc I don't feel that candy should be related to breakfast in any way...

I hope my advice helps! Stay strong! It's all about keeping things interesting & using sweets in moderation! Oreos in a lunch bag is ridiculous in my opinion. Dessert should be only for dinnertime & only a couple times a week! Try a yogurt cup instead for sweetness but with wholesome goodness & calcium instead of empty calories!

Good luck!!

Your not to strict at all. All that sugary stuff is bad for them. Keep doing what you doing and she will always be a healthy eater! I say good for you. Your the boss mom.

No you are being a good mom. Fresh fruits and veggies and grain and daily. I had a step son that his mom grew food and he would not touch the sugar stuff. I have a home day care and yes once in awhile I give them vanilla waffers which is allowed and oreo cookies once in a blue moon. We will have cake and ice cream for birthdays but fruit loops no way. Less sugar the nicer the kids are. Keep up the great job and just because there are stupid parents who shove stuff at their kids does not mean you need to jump off the bridge too. Chicken nuggets are ok but watch the breading on them. Fresh first frozen next then can last of anything. God Bless G. W

You are not too strict! With obesity and juvenile diabetes at alarming rates we need more moms like you!! Hang tough and keep teaching your little one to love natural, good foods. It will be hugely valuable for the rest of her life!
If you feel you aren't giving her enough variety you can try two things: first, make a list of what she routinely eats. Once you seen it all written out I bet it is more than you think.
Next, try browsing cookbooks and websites for new ideas. Sometimes you can introduce foods in new ways and give them new life. Don't ever give up on foods once rejected. As kids grow their tastes change, so reintroduce those foods and she may like them now. Good luck!

this is always a difficult situation as most of the food marketed to children is sugar-laden, empty calories. Fruit loops are not a nutritious food. And, of course she would like them because they are full of sugar. What kid doesn't like sugar?? At school, every celebration involves tons of sugar. Rewards are sugar, parties are sugar...and we wonder why 1 out of every 3 children in this country are OBESE! We are killing our children and alluding ourselves into thinking that giving our children "fortified cereals" and chicken nuggets is a healthy choice. I don't keep my son from eating a "treat" every now and again, but he has to eat healthy meals first or he doesn't get a treat. he understands that eating these things all the time can make you sick. Unfortunately, its a hard battle unless you homeschool your kids! My son is about to start kindergarten. I walked into his new school to drop off his registration papers and my stomach churned. It smelled like McDonald's. As parents we need to ALL become Jamie Oliver's and force the school to redirect funds to get healthier foods into our children. Ketchup is considered a vegetable people!!! OK, so I'm off my soapbox. I'm really passionate about these things because I believe that most of the behavioral issues that we are facing with our kids these days is food/nutrition related and we can stop the chemical discipline in its tracks if we insist on giving our children unadulterated food. God Bless. YOur doing great, mom. Keep up the fight and you're not over-thinking things.