Rainbow Blog

A Perfect Diet

posted by: Kia

We are once again thrilled to have another guest blog post from Joy M. Hawk….enjoy!!!

I think we all agree that in an ideal world, our children will eat their rainbow of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, and eat a lots of whole foods and not a lot of sugar or processed stuff.  Super.  Now is that reality?  How does a busy parent achieve such utopia without giving themselves an ulcer?

Honestly, it does take some work.  It takes setting a good example, and, to some degree, I think it takes a bit of luck.  I think some kids have a natural propensity to eat a certain way.  I have two kids.  Both of them are served the same meals on a daily basis.  Both will pick the spinach off a pizza.  However, one will eat the pizza and leave the spinach, and the other will eat the spinach, and leave the crust.  One loves beets and green smoothies.  The other loves junk food.  Why are there such differences in my kids’ eating habits?  Was it the way I introduced solids?  Was is what I ate when I was pregnant?  Was it because I served so much processed food after I had my 2^nd child?  Was it because I was so uptight about food when my eldest daughter was little?  Maybe.  It is hard to say.  What I do know is that I grew up eating food out of a box. (Think chicken rondalettes, white bread, fish sticks and hot dog casseroles.)  I know my Mother told me not to eat standing up because it would make my legs fat, but I don’t recall being forced to eat vegetables.  I actually liked liver and onions, and didn’t care for candy or pizza until I was old enough to realize this made me totally UNCOOL.  I also used to sneak BOXES of Hostess Ho-Ho’s into the garage and shove them into my mouth as I rode my bike down the driveway.  What’s my point, you wonder?  Well, I guess it is that my parents did everything wrong when it came to food.  And, although my kale and spirulina smoothie drinking self has been a bit of an evolution, it is to tell you to give yourself a bit of a break.  You don’t have to be perfect and there is no such thing as a perfect diet.  If I turned out alright, then I think there is hope for every kid out there!

Joy M. Hawk, HHC, AADP
Certified Holistic Health Coach

www.notjustkale.com

“Empowering Women to Feed Themselves and Their Families Better”