Young Children and Eating Habits

I think it's fine as long as its done in moderation. My 23 month old does eat her share of fries and chicken nuggets. She gets this about 2x a month. She enjoys junk food but also enjoys fruit and veggies. As a child my parents restricted junk food and to this day I love it all the more. My children ages 12-23months are given both. To them having chips isn't a novelty so they don't tend to overeat.

I just made it a special treat and not often... caffeine was my big no no...just shouldnt be regular meals... they need good stuff to grow strong bodies, bones and brains!

Hi F.,

I totally agree with you. My toddler is 17 months and I don't give her sweets or fast foods. It's quicker and easier but in the long run she'll pay for it with bad eating habits and bad health. My mom, a sugar addict, gets mad when I say she can't have X. But I don't want her teaath rotting, her vision going bad or her getting fat and/ or diabetes. She eats her vegetables and doesn't really seem to like meat. I give her chicken and fish but if she doesn't eat it I don't force her.

Hey F., I think that it is okay to give your toddler fast food, maybe not everyday and as long as they eat healthy otherwise. But as far as the other parents, they should listen to you because it is your child and you have the say so. Maybe they just get offended because they feel inferior to your standards and wish they would do the same. And I don't think they would want you giving their child something that they don't get at home, you know?

F.,

You should NEVER feel bad about making healthy eating choices for your daughter. I have two 13 month old daughters who have never eaten junk food, fast food, or drank juice. And I make no apologies for it. I am trying to help my children enjoy healther food (and I am eating healther at the same time - which is a small miracle, since I was raise on all of that junk).

Oh yeah, if you ever want your daughter to hang out with children her age that seem to eat the same way she does, send us an email at ____@____.com Luck!

I think that you should feed your child however you see fit. Junk food and fast food are very bad for them and you are helping to foster their future eating habits...I say hooray for you!!!!If the other parents get offended...OH well!! To each his own. Fast food and junk lead to obesity and other health problems. So I agree with you 100%!!!!

you feed your child whatever you can. For me mine at that age for the most part the only fast food they got was french fries and chicken nuggets. when mine were that age I was basicly a single mom so I fed um what they would eat. right now my kids arent allowed soda, VERY little sweets, low suger everything. if they get more than one or 2 chocolate chip cookies they get nasty attitude problems.For me it was hard to do a whole meal for just me and the kids so I did and do feed them prepackaged food. It makes life easier for me. What you consider junkfood might not be what others consider junk food. like for us yeah my 3 yr old gets chips , but he's 3 not 13 months. Do you consider Goldfish crackers junkfood? Most people don't because they are baked snack crackers they even have some that have calcium in them. So it all depends on what you consider junk food.

my kids are 6 yrs and 3 yrs now

Hi F.,

Don't let anyone make you feel bad about your choices. I wish I did not introduce some of these foods so early but thankfully my son will still eat healthy stuff. My son did not have fast food until he was 2. There are healthier choices at some of these places as well so you can choose better.

S.

I think you should speak up to the mothers who see to have a problem with your choice in what you feed your baby if it bothers you.But definately don't let it bother you,every mother has her own way of doing thigs.I once asked my doctor about how to deal with my babies (my first child) sleeping schedule during the day and if I should just stay home until he got older.He told me to do what I normally do and let the child adjust to our living style.You are paving the way for your child to LIKE eating better foods in the future.Personally I feed my children just about anything they'll eat. But my children are very thin and while they love fruit and vegetables will only get eaten if its corn or hidden in stews.I say don't worry about what someone else might think.

Hi F.,

I don't feed my family anything but organic food now. I wish I had understood the ramifications of prepackaged, processed foods when my girls were little. If someone had taken the time to tell me, it would not have taken me so long to get to where I am today. Even though it doesn't seem like a big deal, since I have been living a healthy lifestyle with no processed foods and my house detoxified from all synthetic chemicals, not only have numerous diagnoses gone away, but NOBODY in my house ever gets a sniffle, much less the flu.

And if I realized the cost of organic food was NOT really any higher than processed foods, I would have started eating better a lot sooner. Just for those who don't know, organic food has no chemicals and thus tastes better and is more nutritious so you eat less of it. My husband used to eat a 16oz steak everytime and now he's perfectly satisfied with 4 ounces of organic ribeye!

Don't worry that you will offend, it's more likely that you will help!

Regards,

M.

don't worry about what other people think...if they are offended that you don't want your child to have fast food it's their problem. My niece has been letting my great niece have Mc d's french fries at 10 months old. I frankly think the salt content is too much for a toddler and I mentioned it to her..she got offended I said then why not put salt on her baby food?? at her age she shouldn't be consuming so much salt. Well, it's her kid and I can't stop her. I didn't give my kids junk food at 10 months or 13 months old. i have found that some kids that are kept away from it end up not really liking it as they get older. My kids now eat it but not on an everyday basis it's a treat and frankly they don't always like it. Just don't worry about what the other parents think you are doing what is best according to many doctors. Just remember it's the advertisement companies that have made us think we need products that we really don't need. If these fast food places really liked us they'd cut the salt and the bad way they cook the foods. Stick to your guns.

F.,
Good for you for trying to give your daughter the best. I made my daughters own baby food and it adapted her to only 'real' foods. She is one of the very few 3.5 yr olds that I have ever seen eating tons of veggies, fruits, etc. Whatever you start her on now is what she will prefer later in life (as long as you keep it up that is). I try to offer healty (unprocessed) choices every chance I get. I also use organic as MUCH as possibe, especially with milk. A wonderful book that talks about healthy food choice for adults is called Skinny B-----. Fill in the blanks on that one:) Its a rough name but the book has tons of great information in it for us adults but the food advice can certainly be used for any age. Best of luck!
Many blessings!
Jamie

I think that the earlier you can start a child eating healthy, the better. Of course there is a happy medium to everything. However, children before the age of 3 develop habits very easily. Plus the minute they arrive into daycare, or school, there will be so many outside influences that it gets harder to get your child to make healthy choices. Junk food and pre-packaged food will always be there. But if you can help it, try cooking fresh and a variety. Another thing that I've learned from other moms is never- force a child to eat something introduce it, have them taste it but thats it. Forcing them can also give them a negative impression on trying something new. Basically if you can- make it fresh and healthy first; it also helps to bring a tupperware container with you with a variety of choices for on the go (apple, cran-raisins, banana, whole wheat crackers). And save the "treats" for special occasions, road trips, and after they've eaten something healthy.

I agree with you whole heartedly!!!!! There will be plenty of time when they get older to reinforce the American diet (JUNK)! This will be your best opportunity to instill an appreciation for real food. In addition, they are growing so rapidly at this age, the healthier the better!! Stick to your guns. If it is what feels right for you, do not let others pressure you into their bad habits!!!

I think if you don't want your child to eat fast food then that is your choice for your child and other parents should respect that. We eat fast food as a last resort in my house and even then we try to make healthy choices and try to have the kids do the same. Like milk instead of soda, fruit instead of the french fries. Heck, just to get the happy meal alone is a treat for my daughter cause she doesn't get it very often!! Heck, even when we go to a sit down dinner she is only allowed to order milk, juice, water or a caffine free soda but she will normally go with milk or water. I can't stand seeing children sucking down sweet tea or all that soda!!
As far as pre packaged stuff, I try to limit that too. It's high in preservatives and other junk. I keep a few kids cuzines and hormel's little nuke 'em things on hand, but again, it's a last minute quick lunch or dinner. I don't even buy a lot of the sugary cereals either. We get WIC so I try to stick to their selection even when I have to pay out of pocket for it.

Like I said, don't worry about what other people think just because you don't want your child eating her weight in chicken nuggets all the time. Make it a special treat when she gets to eat that sort of stuff.

~S.

Well considering I have a child with a life long illness. McD's fries is his favorite. The key is moderation, but if you choose not to at all it's your choice no one else's.

I have a lot of friends that have children the same age as mine and they don't eat fast food or if they do not as often as we do. I just use the Play land to my advantage in the winter or rainy days.

Just know then that as your child gets older she may miss out on a few birthday parties unless all of her friends have the same diet she does. For now she's only 1 healthy is best and if she doesn't get a taste for it your better off in the long run.

Good for you F.! I believe in starting the best eating habits you can instill in a child early. I cringe when I see grown people who have limited diets because they hate vegatables they have never even tried because their parents didn't have them eat it when they were young. It's so difficult to get children your daughters age to make the choice to eat healthy if they know they can have cookies and french fries. That said, I agree with some of the other posts here where fast food and processed foods are offered some of the time when the child is a little older. Everything in moderation, I say. Also, though I'm sure you don't do this, I'd just like to say I really hate to see parents who deny their children snacks and fizzy drinks, when they themselves eat and drink them right in front of them. If you always eat healthy (no fast food, no processed foods) then you set the good example for your children to follow in your foot steps.

I don't think it's a good idea as a regular habit. We all know junk and fast foods are nutritionally lacking and packed with sodium and fat, BUT once-in-awhile I do pick up something for my 2 year old son -if we're at the mall (which is rare for us), on a road trip, etc. It's only here and there, and I don't make a big deal out of it. I try to rarely eat it myself, so if I'm eating it and it's lunch time, I will get him something. It's my experience that kids who are totally deprived of something their peers at least get on occasion OR who have a huge deal made out of the fact that they're going to get a chicken nugget or piece of cake grow up attaching too much significance to those foods and when they get a little autonomy and can make their own eating decisions, they gorge themselves on it. I've seen this happen with friends, in college, and with several young cousins whose parents forbade them any type of sugar -ever. At 13 months, it's probably not that big of a deal that she's not having any of it, but as she gets closer to two -IF you're somewhere where it makes sense -on the road or at a birthday party -you may want to give her a bite of something and just have a healthy attitude (and a rather nonchalant one) about it. My son, like most kids, does ask for cookies and chocolate now, but I just tell him that if he eats a bunch of it, his stomach will hurt and we can't eat that for breakfast, lunch, etc. By the time he finishes a healthy meal, he's forgotten all about it.

F.,
Stay strong...it doesn't matter what other people think. You may be sparking a sense of guilt in some people that they do allow their children to eat unhealthy food. There is nothing healthy about eating fast food and many of the pre-packaged foods. You are just trying to give your child the healthiest start and teaching her how to make healthy food in the future. Keep it up!

I see you have loads of responses, but I think it is wonderful that you are careful about what you feed your child. My husband and I do the same with our girls (3 yr old and 19 mos). A lot of people cannot believe that my girls will eat vegetables! Well, that is what we feed them and we do our best to stay away from fast food, candy, treats, juice, prepackage foods, etc. My girls have learned when I first gave them foods because I made my own baby food so they were use to it. They do get ice cream for special treats, but it is not a staple in our house. Keep up the good work with keeping to your convictions about what you feed your children.

You are the parent and you have to make the best choice for your child. Sometimes the healthiest choices arent available when she may be hungry and so a prepackaged snack every once in awhile may be okay. I have three children and have learned that making the best food choices for them at home on a regular basis such as whole wheat bread, lean meats and fresh fruits and veggies is the best I can do. Sometimes fast food is a quick and easy option. Give yourself a break. You are doing a great job! :)

I also don't give DD fast food or most junk food. I agree that it is your priority as a mom to feed your child healthy food and teach them how to be healthy adults. My only question/comment is regarding other parents. If you are with a host who is feeding multiple children I would probably not worry. A little junk food on a rare occasion is not worth potentially insulting a host who is providing something (in my opinion). If the parents are not hosting anything and you are providing food for your child then I think they are out of line.

I agree with you when it comes to giving my children fast food and junk food. I do let them have things occasionally if we are out and there aren't a lot of options, but thankfully most places have started offering juice or milk instead of soda, or applesauce or yogurt instead of fries or chips. If my kids are going to drink soda (for example, at a birthday party), I try to mix it half and half with water. I don't think I'm depriving them of anything, and I hope I'm teaching them healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime. I also discuss why it's important to be aware of the foods a person puts into his/her body with my kids. I want them to understand that the choices they make affect more than just weight. I also think sitting around the table with your family to enjoy a healthy home-cooked meal is priceless. I usually get a "Good for you!" when I pull fresh fruit out of my bag instead of fruit snacks.

A one year old does not need fast food or prepared food. Stick to what you think is right for her. This will happen time and time again as she grows. Control what she eat while you can to set up good habits for later. My daughters get fast food once in awhile but have learned to make healthy choices most of the time. They are 6 and almost 4 and are happy, healthy kids now. Balance is the key. At one year old, feed her food from nature, not too much.

I did not give my children anything sweet for a few years so that they would eat the appropriate foods. The moment my mother gave my second child an ice cream (2 years old at the time), it became tougher on me to feed her. I remained consistent in my efforts despite the setback. My children are teenagers now. They eat healthy foods regularly. In fact, it is interesting that they do not like to eat any form of potato. I wish that I could do the same.

One evening, I made a casserole for my oldest daughter's slumber party. It was her favorite and had meat and vegetables in it. She had 3 girls over. One was a vegetarian. One didn't eat vegetables. And, the third didn't eat anything mixed together. I showed them the refrigerator and patted myself on the back for doing something right with raising my daughter.

So, stay with your convictions. Fast food is a terrible habit to teach.

I don't believe in giving them fast food and prepackaged food either. I think that if they try those types of food, then they will most likely not like fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and whole grains. I also think there are some delicate ways to say that you don't allow your child to eat those foods without offending other parents. And if they do get offended, it is probably because deep down they know their child shouldn't eat it either, but the convenience factor has won out in thier case.

There's great advice here already! It's nice to see that many moms don't worry about offending. Once in a while junk food is not a big deal, the trick is to ensure that they are getting plenty of fresh, living foods the majority of the time. I have found that for myself, after doing veggie juices (living, freshly juiced) and smoothies (which kids LOVE), that I CRAVE living foods! We are also doing about 80% Organic foods...we are eating less at a sitting because the organic foods have more nutrients per serving. I am losing weight too (I have about 80lbs to lose). I have found that my children (4 & 7) actually like the fresh foods....I only wish I had started this way of eating sooner!

No fast food, no processed foods. Stick to your commitment. I did not allow my son to have cookies until he was 3 years old and then only health store bought, fruit sweetened cookies. Do not give your child a taste of anything other than good, quality foods. If the other mothers get offended, that is on them. . Just smile and keep on truckin'. J. Gordon

Hi F.! I promise you that your childs health is more important that what another mom might think. We are vegan (no meat or dairy) and I could care less what other people think about it. My children have never had a McNugget and I am happy about that. Do what's best for you, not what you think is best for everyone else. Best of luck.

Hello, I don't think its an good idea to give toddlers fast or prepackage foods. However, I do it only if it is getting close to my 22 mth old daughters bed time and we are out and about. I try to cook at least everyday. Of course, it gets hard somtime to try to work a full-time job and deal with a 22 mth old that is already in that terrible 2s stage. I like for her have a veggie and a fruit everyday. For you on the other hand, try not to deprived her of certain healthy junk foods like the 100 calorie snacks. I

Do not ever feel guilty about wanting your child to eat healthy! I have a 5 year old and 3 1/2 year old twins. Since my kids could eat "real" food, they have had fruit with every meal, veggies at dinner, sometimes lunch, too. They have had Chick Fil A maybe a half dozen times in their life (that might even be an over exaggeration), and they didn't even try it until they were all around 3 years old. They have never had McDonald's or any other fast food, and I'll keep it that way as long as I can. They do not drink juice unless it is at a birthday party, or if a friend has them over for a playdate I allow it. They don't drink it at home, so a little isn't going to hurt them. They know the rules, and since we have had the same rules since they can remember, they don't have a problem with them. I have talked to doctors about the fruit juice issue, and as long as they eat real fruit, then they don't need the juice. Even if it is 100% real juice, the real fruit is better for them.
I am amazed at how many people give their kids fast food and junk for snacks. When I go to my girl's preschool, I look at the snacks that parents pack, and I can't believe it. One little girl had a bag of marshmallows and a juice box for a snack....seriously! And the sodas, don't even get me started on that!

We don't do "gummy snacks", we try to buy snacks without corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup (very little choices out there, Whole Foods and other health stores are a good source of these-you can get really good graham snacks that aren't full of that junk, and they taste the same as the ones with all the junk in them).

Sorry, I know that I'm being judgemental, I can't help it when it comes to this subject. I am by no means a perfect eater, it is not all "healthy everything" in my house, but it is easy to cut out a lot of the junk, so I do what I can. My children have never been picky eaters because I haven't let them...I offer them healthy foods that taste good, and keep offering them even if they don't want them the 1st, 2nd, or 10th time. And you don't have to buy rice cakes and tasteless stuff to be healthy, just read the ingredients.
Look at the obesity problem in this country, it is ridiculous that more people aren't concerned. You establish healthy eating habits as soon as they can eat, and that carries them through life.

So, stick to your guns and do not feel guilty at all. You are doing what's right for your child.

I'm probably going to get some flak for this, but that is how I feel.

Stick to your guns with other mothers. If they get offended, remember you are the one responsible for raising your daughter. I am heavy and I did not want my daughter to develop bad habits. When she was little, I gave her crackers and called them "cookies". She did notget fast food,she got veggies and balanced meals. She went to a birthday party when she was about 4 and refused the cake and ice cream. The parents thought she was crazy. BUT, she made it out of childhood without cavities and with good eating habits. She still does not really like cake or chocolate and prefers "real" food. I believe that what we feed them when they little develops their taste buds.

Don't let the mom peer pressure get to you. There will be many times that other mothers will try to convince you of things that your heart says you should not do for your child. You are the one responsible and yes, there is still peer pressure from any group you are around, even as adults.

You will not regret the choices of good food now, it will reflect later. BTW, my daughter is "normal" sized and does not have a weight problem.

I have a daughter who is almost 13 months as well, and I don't feed her fast food. I have always made sure she eats as healthy as possible so she can grow strong and healthy. My advice is to not worry about what other people think if you're not feeding your child "bad" food. You're the one that is responsible for her health, and you are doing NOTHING wrong by putting good food into her little body. I have also gotten the looks that say, "Why dont' you feed her fast food?" but I don't let it bother me. My baby loves what I give her because she's always eaten it. She loves what I feed her, and she is very healthy becuase of it. Good luck, and stick to what you're doing. You and your daughter will be thankful when she's older and still very healthy and well.

stick to your plan!! what children like and dislike is based on what they taste. now - if you had to pick between fried nuggets or carrots - wouldn't the nugget win out? same for your daughter... keep her on a healthy diet and she'll thank you for it later. others aren't offended - they're just suddenly hit with the reality of what they are doing. perhaps it's a little jealousy at your organization, planning and willingness to commit to your daughters health.

I don't think fast food will hurt if you do it in moderation. My son loves chicken nuggets so if he's had a good day we may go by and get him some. He's 3 and it's hard to get him to eat healthy but we have sneaky ways of getting fruits and veggies in. We add shredded carrots to spagetti, chopped fruit in his pudding or vanilla flavored yogurt, but he'd rather eat meat. I have fixed the Tyson chicken nuggets and they are supposed to be "healthier" than the fast food places........

Hi F.,

I can not tell you how happy I am to see your post. I am shocked everytime I read a mother's complaint that her child under two will nothing but cheese enchiladas, chicken nuggets and/or fries. I have been tempted so many times to reply and ask them in nice way why on earth they are establishing such poor eating habits at such a young age. I don't beause I feel they will only get annoyed and miss the point completely. Then I read your post about feeling other moms take offense because you will not agree to establish the same poor eating patterns they do. Then I had to write!!!!! I can understand witholding comments or suggestions when you see young moms who don't know any better but when they on the other hand suggest that you should adopt these same unhealthy eating standards to accommodate their denial, you should be the one taking offense. I do not understand how anyone who has truly read up on good nutrition and discussed good nutrition with their pediatricians would even think to give their kids such junk, but I see it around me all the time. Childhood obesity has become a huge problem in this country. Any pediatrician will tell you there has been a sharp increase in pediatric medical problems once considered to be adult illness such as type II diabetes, heart disease and high cholesterol. This makes them far more likely to suffer from these problems in adulthood. I have seen children visiting the US on a hosting trip from orphanages in Latvia and it was amazing. These kids LOVED fresh fruits and vegetables. They would gobble up bananas and apples. They would even eat tomatoes and cucumbers like they were a treat. Yet, they would turn their noses up at pizza, chicken nuggets and tacos. The reason is quite simply that they were not offered these things as small children and had not developed a preference for them. It is a pity such fresh fruits and vegetables are available only seasonally in their country. Children learn to appreciate and have a preference for foods that are presented them early in life. The choice is completely up to the parents. When other parents are more concerned with convenience and ease than good nutrition, it is sad. But you should not compromise your child's health because another parent does not choose to face reality. I am sure this might offend a lot moms who will complain they don't have time or money to provide good nutrition but these are only excuses. I say kudos to you, so stick to your guns!!! When your children become healthy adults, you will be so happy you did!!!

I really watch what my kids eat. I always try to make sure that they get a well balanced variety of foods throughout the day. That being said, we do occasionally have fast food....maybe 6-8 times a year. Most restaurants have healthy choices nowadays. We all like french fries but we will get one small one and share it between us. I wouldn't worry about what other people think or say. You are the mom and you need to do what is best for your child.

Rock on! We did that with our little girl and she knows it something we only eat sometimes. Moderation in all things, right?

F., I agree with you 100%! You are the one who is responsible for YOUR daughter and if someone gets offended, that's their problem. You are to be commended for doing the right thing and supported for your wisdom in feeding your little one healthy foods now. Bless you!

I think it's a great idea to give our children healthy diets and help them to form good habits for life -- that includes diet and exercise. However, "everything in moderation" is an important thing. To NEVER eat fast food, candy, cake, etc. is to miss out. Besides, there are healthier ways to do fast food, too. I HATE McDonald's -- I think the food is so unhealthy -- my daughter LOVES it. So, we compromise: we don't go often, mind you, but when we do, she gets a burger kids' meal with apple slices and a juice or milk to drink. I also believe that if we make NEVER choices for our kids when they're young, they'll become TOO MUCH choices when they are their's to make. A cookie or a potato chip in and of itself is not a bad thing -- it's the eating those things to excess that is unhealthy.

So, relax a bit. Be proud of yourself for instilling good habits. But allow a little "being bad" -- just make sure your daughter knows that "this is a treat".

F.,
You are on the right track!! My beautiful baby girl is almost 39 years old, so the years have proven that feeding our precious children a good diet benefits them for a lifetime! I never gave my kids fast food OR processed food - they aren't REAL FOOD! Their bodies don't utilize the faux foods - they were programmed to grow, heal and protect themselves with the real thing - and that includes lots and lots of fruits & vegetables, raw is best. She will learn to eat them if you just let her taste them on a regular basis. Allow her to 'graze' from a pretty tray full of bite-size fruits & veggies on her own. You'll be surprised.
As moms, we are responsible for their health - give it your all!

Our girls don't get any junk, at all. It's just too important to do it any other way, so I am unapologetic about it really. I am not snotty though. We politely decline offers for candy, cookies, MSG laden-foods, etc, and then bring our own snacks along everywhere we go. As long as you're not openly criticising other parents, you should be just fine. If they pick up on something you're doing and decide to make a change, great!! If they feel guilty for feeding their kids junk, that's their problem, not yours. Good for you!!!

I rarely give my 16 month old fast food. BUT...every once and awhile if I'm out, I do, but try not to do it often. I also try to make better choices and have some healthy things in my bag for her to eat WITH the fast food. For instance, she'll eat a hotdog and I have a banana or a stage 2-3 veggie and will give her that with it. We were at the park the other day and ran by Zaxby's and I got her a grilled cheese and fries (she doesn't really eat a lot of fries because she rarely has them and hasn't developed a taste for them) and I gave her some green beans and pineapple from my bag and she was happy. Remember YOU can help create the HABITS, so keep making them healthy ones! As far as other moms, don't sweat it. You are the mom and you get to choose what your child eats (for now). I like exposing my daughter to lots of healthier choices and she sometimes eats them, sometimes not. But by feeding you child fast food all the time, they get used to or even "addicted" to it and then you have a problem and a bad habit. Watch "Super Size Me" and you'll never want to give your kids fast food again...haha! Everything in moderation! Good luck!

We don't eat prepackaged or fast food often...but it does happen. When we're out, when I've had "one of those days," or when we're traveling...we usually try to select the healthiest thing on the menu. If they are with friends because I need a break or I'm out...I don't insist they not eat this or that. I think that every once in a while would be okay for them. I'm a pretty laid back mama, so I go with the flow for the most part when it comes to others and eating. I've heard people at church have their child refuse treats because she "doesn't eat them." I think that's a good kid, but it's once a week, if that much! It usually isn't a huge portion. I just read recently about the 80/20 rule. If you eat right 80% of the time then you're doing good!

You probably aren't offending them, maybe they're just feel a little guilty for giving their kids junk food. I mean, 13 months is very much a baby, and the foods she has now will greatly influence her tastes for a lifetime.

If you feel awkward about it, for whatever reason, you can say something like "my family has a history of weight problems" or "heart conditions" - or say you are worried about too many sweets because it's too hard to brush her teeth well. Or the old "My pediatrician said..."

I still don't ever do drive-through fast food. And at 4, my oldest is very wary of french fries - he won't come near 'em! (Although, he's a little crazy). Not that he's just eating wheatgrass juice and buckwheat groats - he could go for a week eating pizza and ice cream and never complain!

And keep in mind that almost every parent starts out more vigilant about nutrition and gradually slides, as their children get older. Going back to "less ice cream" and "more vegetables" is a lot harder. The longer you can keep your guard up, the better. You'll probably never be able to keep up that level of mindfulness for a second (or third) child.

I am not a health nut, but I firmly believe the preservetives, fats, sugars and additives are poison to our bodies. Stick to your values and you will have healthier children and therefore healthier adults. The facts are the most of our physical ailments started after we began consuming so much refined sugar and white bread.

50 year old mother to 3 teens

i personally feel it is important to feed your child healthy foods at this time in their life, it will shape what they choose in the future. we eat mostly organic, and all fruits and vegetables. We have chosen not to eat dairy or meat at this point, but that is just our personal choice. We never eat high fructose corn syrup, red dye, refined sugars, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, or many preservatives. As for dealing with others, I just always have food for my son and say "oh, I brought him something to eat, thank you though". At parties, I make healthy "birthday cake" for my son and Soy Delicious Ice cream so he eats just like the other kids. I just suggest doing what makes you feel that you are doing the best thing you can for your child.

Don't concern yourself with parents who frown at you for not giving your child junk food... My daughter was almost 4 before she had MacDonald's hamburger. She was in prescool before she ever saw white bread because we only serve wheat in our home :) and now she is 7 and she chooses healthy foods and snacks , even when I'm not around :) Just remember healthy choices you make for her now now will prepare her for making healthy choices later... Hope this helps