Is anyone else obsessed with what they feed DC? I think I have a problem

Here is my story for what it's worth: My parents raised me to be extremely health conscious. I ate a great diet and was taught about the dangers of fast food. I learned a lot about nutrition at a young age. This lesson stuck with me through out my childhood. Did I occasionally splurge on some junk food at a party ? Sure, but these times were few and far between. For the most part, I stayed away from processed, crappy food. I didn't step food into a Mc'Donalds until age 15 and I count the number of times I have eaten in that type of place on two hands. ( and not in many years) Today, I am a vegetarian who eats as much organic food as possible. So, for me, being raised this way was one of the greatest gifts possible. It taught me how to live a lifestyle that is healthy and good for my well-being. I slip up from time to time and will eat alot at a restaurant, but I am always able to go back to my base. Bottom line: don't feel bad, you are doing a great thing for your little one

Re: Is anyone else obsessed with what they feed DC? I think I have a problem

Posted by lcherian

I'm pretty obsessed too! However, In times where our meat and vegetables are laden with hormones and pesticides, and so much of our foods have been genetically modified, I feel that I have to be very vigilant about what I give my children. Some may call me an alarmist, but I'm pretty convinced that the rise in allergies, behavioral disorders, neurological disorders, infertility, etc. Are due to the foods we eat (ie. GMOs) and the products we use.

I read labels. I hardly buy any processed snacks for the kids--their treats are earths best cereal bars and organic popcorn. My kids dont eat candy or drink juice. I don't buy chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese or fish sticks-- I try to give them whole foods as much as possible. We barely go out to eat.

But I do bend in certain situations like parties and such. They eat cake at birthday parties (although I remove the icing) and go trick or treating. And today for example, my MIL made fried plantains with veg oil (I don't use vegetable or canola oil bc of GMOs). I didn't want to offend her, so I let my kids eat it.

So no, I don't think you are crazy, just cautious!

Re: Is anyone else obsessed with what they feed DC? I think I have a problem

I read labels too, and try to avoid corn syrup, preservatives, that sort of thing but my son is SO picky that when I get him to eat I let him eat..of course what I have available is in my control so what he has to choose from is overall a healthy selection. I don't think its bad to maintain control over this, but too much control may cause a rebel later on in life!

Re: Is anyone else obsessed with what they feed DC? I think I have a problem

I was much like you when they were smaller. Now they are almost 4 and I try to follow the 90-10 rule. 90% of what they eat is organic, homemade or whatever. I do give them food at parties, pizza and the occasional fast food. All fruits and veggies are organic, snacks are organic or minimally processed with no hcfs or food dyes. Most of the meat is organic and all cold cuts are nitrate free-usually applegate organic. All dairy is organic.

Re: Is anyone else obsessed with what they feed DC? I think I have a problem

DH is worse than me, but we both loosened up when she turned 2. We're still careful and very cautious about what she eats (while we're still "in charge" of what she eats), but we've definitely been more lax lately. IN FACT we were at a benefit the other night that didn't have food out til late and DH took her down the block and got her KFC nuggets (her very first fast food).

She's definitely had pizza, cookies, cake, a few lollipops etc. Today I took her for Carvel after the doctor! Everything in moderation.

Is anyone else obsessed with what they feed DC? I think I have a problem

Thanks again ladies for all of the input! For now, we will stick with the no fast food rule, that is one thing I am extremely anal about. But I guess it wouldn't hurt to try to relax when DS is offered a chocolate chip cookie at my friends house. In the grand scheme of things, the cookie won't kill him. I just LOVE that he gobbles up such healthy stuff, I almost don't want him to know there is other stuff out there. Such a mean mommy I am haha.

Is anyone else obsessed with what they feed DC? I think I have a problem

I am crashing just because I had to share my experience with the kids I work with in the summer. At the end of the camp day there is a snack time where the whole camp can go back to the cafeteria to buy snacks/candy. I will tell you the ones that are not "allowed" to eat this stuff at home are the WORST! They come back up to the room I'm in with soda, a baked snack, an ice cream, and a few pieces of candy......just for themselves! Every day I thank my lucky stars that I am not their bus driver for the ride home!

I am not a parent (about to be) but I am in the public health field and this would be my advice. If this eating regimen is driving you crazy, ease up. If you are fine with it, then keep going while your DS is young. But when he is old enough to start being aware of and asking for sweet things, I think it is important to allow it in moderation. Maybe with a healthy twist - ice cream with fresh fruit, or cookies dunked in milk. Or let him have a sugary breakfast cereal as a snack. It's not necessarily appropriate for breakfast, but as a snack it comes with a serving of milk and is fortified with vitamins and minerals and even the sugary stuff is made with whole grains these days. This beats any cookie out there if you ask me. But again......in moderation. I would wait for him to ask for things though.

ETA: sorry I know this is long. I also agree with a pp. If you casually just make healthy eating the way of life in the house, then I think it sets of good example and you will probably have a lifetime healthy eater as a result. If it is your personal mission to force your child to eat your way or the highway, kids rebel - as with anything.

Message edited 10/9/2012 7:47:23 PM.