I have just finished reading this book on nutrition by Dr. Sears and family. It was excellent- an eye opener for me. I have been trying to feed the whole family better, but what really happens is that the kids eat pretty well, and I still eat a lot of junk. This book has given me new motivation to eat better myself.

I have been using the "red/green/yellow" light food idea with the kids for awhile, but now I am really beefing up my efforts. At Target this morning, ds asked for an icee. I told him it was a red light food, so did he still want to put it in his body? He said no way! And that was the end of that- no whining, no tears... I couldn't believe it.

If your search for simple living includes eater healthier food, I recommend this book!

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them

Wow, this sounds like an interesting book!! I'll definately will be checking it out of my library.

I'm fascinated too. It sounds like it covers motivation which is 95% of the job. My dd is very motivated to eat healthy which is great ... but ds, it's not an issue of motivation (see special needs thread) but of texture / sensory issues. Is there a chapter on this at all? Or does anyone know of any other books that might cover eating well when everything tastes yucky?

Recently my ds (age 8 and special needs) prayed before dinner, "Thank you God for this food except for the vegetables. I really don't understand why You made them taste so bad."

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There was no chapter specifically about sensory issues, but there was a lot of information about adapting to a healthier diet- how it can take some time to change your metabolism and "relearn" or just learn what good, healthy food should taste like. Over time your body will come to crave the good things. Also, you learn to identify the "brain/gut reaction"- you can recognize how foods make you feel. Hopefully some of this might help your son.

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them

I'm heading to the library tomorrow and I love seuss...I'll see if they have it.

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Ordered it from the library, thanks for the info.

Could you explain what this is...I'm unfamiliar with this idea. Sounds interesting!

Thanks!

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Pain is temporary, quitting is forever....

Some foods are "green light foods"- they give you energy to go. Fruit, veggies, beans, etc (the book gives a list). Other foods are "yellow light"- Ok to eat in moderation, like ice cream, nitrite free hot dogs, home made goodies, etc. "Red light" foods give your body nothing it can use- just empty calories that make you feel full for a little while and keep you from eating better stuff. Candy, soda, fast food french fries- that type of food falls into that category.

My kids are intrigued with the "food your body can use" notion. They love to hear about what different vitamins do for your body (vitamin A for eyes). They understand that red light foods don't do anything to help your body. It's been a good learning system for us.

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them

I can't wait to read this book! I always struggle with getting my two older boys to eat "green light foods" (never heard them called that before - interesting!). Thanks for sharing the info.

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"Fostering Excellence in Intellect & Character"

A "companion" book to this (though it has been in print awhile) is called "Eat healthy, feel Great", also by Dr. Sears. It is written for kids and explains the whole red light/ green light system.

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I don't believe in miracles; I depend on them