One of the questions that I get the most often comes from parents who swear their children will never eat this way. I have watched friends who have a power struggle at every meal with their child.  The problem is that often we forget that as a parent we are RESPONSIBLE for our children's health.  It is up to us to bring home food that nourishes their bodies and gives them the very best start in life that we can.  Now that usually requires a quick learning curve of what is actually healthy for many parents.  

We also think that if we try feeding our kiddos all of these veggies, fruits, rice and beans that they will end up starving in their refusal.   If we are brining home chocolate chip cookies and potato chips, then of course the kids (and the adults too) will gravitate towards those items!!!  What happens when you stop buying them though?  When there are no cookies or chips, then what do the kids eat instead?  I will be completely honest and tell you that your kids will tell you there is no food in the house for a little while.  However, you just keep pointing to the big bowl of apples on the counter, remind them of the grapes in the fridge, the cut up carrots, hummus, oranges, strawberries, pineapple, papaya, nuts, seeds, blueberries, raisins, applesauce, etc.  Soon you will realize that when they say there is no food, they are actually telling you there is no junk food.  :)  Will your kids eat this way??  Absolutely!!!  Don't worry if they refuse a meal or two.    Quickly they will learn that THIS is dinner and there is nothing else to choose from.  

Feed them oatmeal loaded with nuts, blueberries, bananas, shredded coconut and cinnamon for breakfast.   For lunch, tortillas filled with fat free refried beans, guacamole or avocados, and fresh spinach.  Even a peanut butter and jam sandwich is a great choice!  Dinner..... oh dinner .... there are so many great options.  Taco soup, salad, spaghetti, veggie hot dogs, avocado rolls, vegan quesadillas, lentil tacos and cajun veggie burgers are just a few of our favorites.  Get creative!   Look for simple meal ideas on this website and on Pinterest.  If you don't like cooking, keep it simple and get the kids to help you make it!  Kids love to be a part of the meal making process and then they are more vested in the meal and more likely to eat it!  You seriously can eat this way and have dinner on the table in less then 10 minutes.... with a smile on everyone's face and their bellies full of good food.  

I just recently had my yearly physical at my doctor's office.  For me this is always dreaded, because I HATE blood work.   Yes, that is with a capital H-A-T-E.   Not because I fear the results, but instead I fear the needle.  I did it though and managed to survive it, like I always do. 

For me the blood test results remind me that I am doing the right thing with my diet.  My doctor is always in awe of how great my levels are and teases me that I am "boring".  I would much rather be boring when it comes to my health!

Now, I need to let you know that my levels are not due to great genetics.  My parents and siblings do not eat the same way that I do and they are on medications to manage some of these levels in their system.     Genetics are nice, but the food you put in your body really does matter!

Here are some of my blood test results, just to show you what a difference the foods you eat really makes.    *Lisa's Results

CRP - C-reactive protein (CRP) is a blood test marker for inflammation in the body.  
  *0.8 mg/L  Lower then average cardiovascular risk.   

Calcium - without drinking an ounce of cow milk in a very long time  
 *9.6 mg/dl (8.6-10.2 mg/dl Normal Range)

Total Cholesterol
 *161 mg/dl ( <200 is optimal risk category)

HDL Cholesterol
 *69 mg/dl (>=46 is optimal risk category)

Triglycerides
 *105 mg/dl (<150 is optimal risk category)

I hope that by sharing this personal information, you can see what a difference you can make in your life by changing some of the things you eat.  Also, I hope that this helps to show you that dairy and meat are not a necessity for our health.  Quite the opposite...