Healthy Habits Start Here

It's never too late to instill healthy eating and exercise habits in our children


 

Pregnancy

When it comes to reproduction, nothing in the science of anatomy and physiology is more awe inspiring as pregnancy. We are physically designed to create, host and support the development of a new life. In many ways, our bodies have been “prepped” for this call of duty – storing excess and essential fat in areas we work effortlessly to try and rid of, calcium and minerals in our bones “just in case” – and a huge hormonal and chemical network that operate almost like a generator – providing needed energy if ever there were a “blackout” – or in our prehistoric ancestor’s situation, an unpredictable winter. But thanks to the agricultural revolution and the “dawn of civilization” – most pregnant women today do not need to rely on their stored resources to carry their babies to term. In fact, this overabundance of food may be presenting a whole new set of challenges for pregnancy in the 20th century, and the future health of the unborn baby. Read More >

 

Infancy

The first year of your baby’s life is marked by tremendous growth. By their first birthday, your baby should have nearly tripled his or her birth weight! With this first year of life, or “infancy” begins the development of eating behaviors that help shape future food preferences and eating habits. These behaviors may influence what they eat, when they eat, where they eat and even why they eat. These behaviors are greatly influenced by their surroundings, more specifically: their family and home. Read More >

 

Toddlerhood

The years between 1 and 3 are most commonly referred to as the toddler years. These are years filled with tremendous social, physical and developmental growth. But don’t be fooled… They are also years associated tantrums, mood swings, unpredictability and oppositional behaviors that include hitting, pushing, biting and hair pulling! Much of these tumultuous behaviors have been wrapped into an appropriately titled phrase known as “the terrible twos.” - although most parents who have been through toddlerhood will agree that sometimes it starts earlier and ends even later! Read More >

 

PreSchool Age

Somewhere between transitioning from diapers to underwear, cribs to beds and 5-point harnesses to booster seats – emerges the preschooler! And like the toddler stage – their growth continues to soar. Most notably is their ongoing pursuit of independence and autonomy – and more and more protests for mommy’s help! For many, this is sometimes a sad milestone because it really marks the end of ‘babyhood’! But for many others, it is a welcomed period and one that in many ways marks the beginnings of easier days! In either situation, it is a normal and expected milestone and whether we are excited or a bit saddened, our reactions are very important. Read More >

 

School Age

Once our children enter into the school system, they will eventually become exposed to influences that far exceed food and nutrition. With our fingers crossed, breaths held and with (most times) very heavy hearts – we metaphorically “hand them over” to this new world that is known as “school.” Read More >