THE TIME TO ENCOURAGE HEALTHY EATING HABITS AND SMART FOOD CHOICES FOR YOUR CHILD IS NOW.

Unhealthy food is everywhere–colorfully packaged, cheap, and full of fat, calories, and sodium. It’s no wonder childhood obesity has become an epidemic in the last thirty years. As a result, by the time most people reach adulthood, they’re already wired to overeat.

Family nutrition expert Eileen Behan posits that good nutrition and good eating habits start on day one. The Baby Food Bible features a guide to more than 100 foods recommended for infants and toddlers based on the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, tells parents when to introduce these foods into a child's diet, and emphasizes the importance of setting healthy eating routines that center on family meals at the dining room table–the perfect time to build good habits. In a clear, accessible style, Behan describes how to:

• foster an appetite for a healthy variety of new foods (there’s more to life than string cheese)

• avoid everyday pitfalls, such as relying on too much fruit juice or labeling your child a picky eater

• establish a meal and snack schedule (children will feel more secure and eat better)

• decipher the many labels and ingredient lists at the grocery store

• prevent and treat common food-related issues, including allergies, colic, choking, and iron deficiency

• encourage the foods that will discourage chronic disease, from high blood pressure to heart disease

The Baby Food Bible also features an alphabetized index–from apples to zucchini–that explains how to buy, store, prepare, and serve more than 100 foods, with delicious recipes for every meal, wholesome snack ideas, and advice for eating out. There’s no better way to ensure your child will grow up to have a happy and healthy life!

"Dietician and mother of two, Behan (Eat Well, Lose Weight, While Breastfeeding) covers all the bases in her latest work. Concerned with child obesity, Behan believes parents can protect their children by 'taking on an approach to eating and feeding... that promotes optimal health and strong family relations.' In order to do this, Behan argues, parents must first 'establish and protect family mealtime, and introduce children to a variety of truly good food.' The author explains, very specifically, how parents can achieve this. She discusses how and when to introduce solids and includes charts of specific foods and amounts to feed per day. An alphabetical 'Superior Foods' list gives readers tips on how to buy, store and prepare over 100 fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, etc. She then explains how to make homemade baby food and suggests combos such as sweet potato and banana puree and, later, offers her favorite recipes (basics like roast chicken and beef stew) for when children begin to eat table food (after age one). Also included are practical tips on how to promote healthy eating, such as turning the television off at mealtimes and watering down juice to limit sugar and calories, and effectively teaching table manners. This is an excellent, comprehensive guide worthy of all parents' collections. (July)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)