Welcome to our featured article section. Our articles are widely published on the Internet, in e-mail newsletters, and in print. We hope your find this information useful in raising healthy children with good eating habits.

Dietary Essentials for your 12-24 Month Old
By Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers

Babies are introduced to solid foods at about 6 months old, and from this time to about 24 months old, they will learn plenty about food, and it goes well beyond taste. First it is just swallowing solid foods, then lumps, picking up pieces, chewing (or gumming) and much more. It takes a great amount of coordination, muscle development and motor skills for your baby to master these tasks. Read More

Starting Family Traditions
By Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers

Growing up our Mom and Dad were big on food traditions, especially at this time of the year. Every year around the Holiday season, Mom would make her famous rum cakes as a gift for all of Dad's big clients. We always looked forward to homemade spiced cider and a big plate of shrimp cocktail on Christmas Eve while we opened our gifts, and every year since we can remember we have eaten goose for Christmas dinner. We could go on with so many more examples. Read More

Healthier Halloween
By Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers

Halloween is truly a kid’s holiday –- good friends, creative costumes, event-filled parties –- all with a cool spooky theme -- who could ask for more? Oh yes, one more thing, the treats –- lots of sugary candy treats! Read More

Cool School Lunches
By Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers

As you know by now, all parents have a different idea of what is healthy food and what is not. For years, you have had the opportunity to hand select and monitor what your child eats for lunch. Now it is time to test their ability. It is only natural for your child's eyes to wander and notice, and be envious of, what the other kids are eating. Read More

Reducing your child’s risk of obesity: Developing good eating habits
By Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers

Harry Truman once said, “A nation is only as healthy as it’s children.” A growing health concern in the United States is the rapid rise in obesity. These conditions have risen to epidemic levels among all ages, including young children. One of the primary causes of overweight problems in children is poor eating habits. Read More

The Basics of Introducing Solids Foods
By Cheryl Tallman & Joan Ahlers

When? About 6 months old. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended prior to 6 months. An iron-fortified, infant formula feeding is considered the only adequate substitute to breastfeeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Read More

Homemade Baby Food: A fresh start to healthy eating and much more
By Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers

Introducing solid foods is a very important step in your baby’s development and well-being, studies show that babies who are fed nutritious, healthy diets grow into stronger kids and better-adjusted eaters than those who are fed poor diets. Read More

Super parent 101: Homemade baby food
By Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers

Making baby food is healthier for your baby, and offers your baby an introduction to foods rich in variety, flavor, color, taste and smell. All of your friends, and your mother-in-law, will think you are a super parent for making your baby’s food. The big secret – it is super easy and takes less them 30 minutes per week. Read More

Finger Food Mania
Tips and recipes for introducing finger foods to your baby
By Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers

There is nothing cuter than watching your little one chase food around the high chair tray with her fingers, and seeing the sense of accomplishment in her face when a tiny little piece of food actually makes it her mouth. When your baby is between 8 and 9 months old, you can begin to introduce finger foods to encourage your baby to begin self-feeding. Read More

“Hey Mom, there are lumps in my food!”
Introducing Food Textures
By Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers

Lumpier and chewier foods help develop your baby’s oral (mouth) skills and build muscle tone. This is an important developmental step for your baby as better oral skills can influence how well your baby eats, speaks and makes facial expressions. Read More

Not All Foods Are Baby-Friendly
By Cheryl Tallman and Joan Ahlers

Introducing your baby to real food takes time. Fortunately, there is no need to rush, In fact, going slowly gives your baby a chance to develop a taste for different types of food, and in the long run enables her to make healthier food choices. Read More