Good Reads for Parents and Kids

I like to let my readers know of good reads in the area of family-related food, health and nutrition. I’m going to be gradually expanding the recommended books in my product section. These are books I find credible, well written and sometimes life-changing.

I’ve worked hard to build trust with my readers. I would never tell you I like a product when I don’t. Most of the books I review I seek out myself, knowing they are very likely to be credible and worth your time. I aim to bring the best expert advice to you!

Below are a few books I’ve been meaning to review — and decided to review them all at once.

Baby Bites: Everything You Need to Know About Feeding Babies & Toddlers in One Handy Book

Bridget Sweeney, MS, RD, has written a manual on nutrition for babies and toddlers. She goes through each nutrition stage including liquids (0-6 months), adding solids (6-12 months) and toddler feeding.
She includes tips on everything from how to make baby food to pleasing picky eaters. She also includes recipes.

Baby Bites is a comprehensive book with credible information that any new parent can benefit from. While I also like Super Baby Food and First Meals, I highly recommend parents have at least one childhood nutrition book written by an RD. This one definitely makes the grade.

100 Questions & Answers About Anorexia Nervosa

When I interviewed Sari Shepphird for my eating disorder prevention series, she sent me her book, 100 Questions & Answers About Anorexia Nervosa. This is a very thoughtful and thorough book that aims to educate parents and patients dealing with this very serious disease. As I learned from the series, the first step parents should take is educating themselves about this disease.

100 Questions & Answers starts with the definition of anorexia, how it is diagnosed and discusses the potential causes. Shepphird covers a variety of topics including warning signs, treatment and how to prevent relapses. This is a well written and research-based book that is a must-read for anyone who has had anorexia touch their lives.

Expect the Best: Your Guide to Healthy
Eating Before, During, and After Pregnancy

The American Dietetic Association teams up with Elizabeth Ward, dietitian and mom, to bring women a scientifically-sound book on pregnancy nutrition. Expect the Best covers it all. What to eat before, during and after pregnancy, motherly wisdom from moms who’ve been there, how to find a prenatal vitamin, how much caffeine to drink (or not), whether or not artificial sweeteners are safe, how much and types of fish to eat, specific nutrients that are needed, meal plans and more.

This book takes the confusion out of what to eat during pregnancy. Instead of asking your friends if it’s okay to eat or drink something, just go to this book to get the latest, credible information.

I wholeheartedly believe that raising healthy eaters starts when a couple first thinks about becoming pregnant. Expect the Best should be on the bookshelf of every woman wanting a child or that is already pregnant.

Gearing up for baby number two or three? See Elizabeth Ward’s guest post on your pre-conception to-do list.

Havoc at the Hillside Market

I won a blogging contest a few months ago and received this book in the mail. Now it is one of my 3-year old’s favorite before-bed books.

Mellissa Halas, dietitian and creator of Super Kids Nutrition, writes about the Super Crew who have superpowers by eating super fruits and vegetables (I said super four times!). This story begins at the Farmer’s Market where the Super Crew load up on their favorite fruits and veggies. They run into some questionable characters and use their superpowers to get out of it.

The goal of this book, as Halas points out, is to pique your child’s interest in trying new fruits and vegetables. The end of the book contains tips and a recipe for Happy Face Pizza. This is a creative way to help children develop a positive view of nutritious foods.