Ask anyone in my home what I would want more than anything, and the answer from all of them would be the same; "someone to cook dinner". After 36 years of preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner, my enthusiasm for cooking is hum-m-m. . . shall we say. . . equal to a tooth filling without novacaine!

In spite of this, my family, like yours, insists on eating every day. Like children around the Christmas tree, they gather at the family dinner table with hope and expectation growling in their bellies. Imagine their disappointment when I tell them that we are having what a friend of mine dubbed, a YOYO night: You're On Your Own.

Whether cooking for 2, 8, 15 or 50, the dilemmas for most of us are the same: how can we make nutritious meals that will appeal to everyone without eating pizza every night, and still enjoy doing it?

So how do we provide for a growing family, a shrinking family, extended family, elderly parents, picky eaters, vegans, diabetics, etc., and keep the YOYO's to an accetable level.

For now, lets start with the growing family; here are some things I have learned regarding children and healthy eating.

• Stock healthy food and let the children choose what they want to eat for snacks.
• Have dinner together. This is a good time to introduce the benefits of eating vegetables. "If you eat your beans, you'll be a better soccer player. Think how fast you will be able to run!"
• Don't make food the only expression of your love. Our children need our time as well.
• Sugar laden desserts aren't necessary every night. Instead, have the children pick their favorite seasonal berries, and add a little yogurt to the top, or go for a family walk or bike ride after dinner.
• Food should not be used as a reward. A "high five", hug, kiss, or "Well done!" may be more appropriate.
  
  

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