Teach the Children Well . . .

It's pretty much common sense that our kids learn their eating habits from us. Duh. Who else are they going to learn them from?

I remember before I even had my first son, I would always say that I just wouldn't give my kids sugary foods and therefore they wouldn't become addicted. Even though I'm not quite two years into this whole Mommy game, I know that is the recipe for disaster. The key is finding balance.

My own parents didn't do me any favors. I can remember discussing "new" Coke vs. Coca Cola Classic with my grandparents. The new coke flavor was introduced in 1985. I was five years old! (For the record, like everyone else in America I was all about the coke classic). It's no wonder that I'm an addict! I may not have touched a coke in over two months, but I think of it like an alcoholic - once an addict, always an addict. And, to be perfectly honest, I'm salivating just at the sight of that coke classic can!

My oldest drinks water. That's it. I flavor it with on the go packs (he prefers the Walmart brand, apple flavor) and he doesn't know that it's any different from juice. I know it's something small, but it does make me feel like I'm doing something just a wee bit better for my baby. When he's older and has to make his own choices, he might not rely on good eating habits but at least I am instilling them in him now. I'm trying.

I'll be honest, too, nothing makes me feel better than knowing when he asks for "cake," he means a rice cake. And when he wants a "cookie," it's a Quaker mini-delights. His favorite kind of chips are baked Doritos. He'll eat ground turkey or Boca meatless or egg beaters without giving it a second thought. I guess the key really is to start them young. =)

Daily Menu for Friday:

Breakfast:
Egg beaters
2 slices bacon
1 slice toast
Total: 4 pts

Lunch:
Turkey Sandwhich
Nectarine
Total: 5 pts

Snack:
Vanilla pudding
Caramel rice cake
Total: 2 pts

Dinner:
Quesadillas
Chips
Total: 10 pts

Daily Total: 21 pts