We've been pretty strict too - not zealots, just careful. TJ had his first Happy Meal a few weeks ago (he was 3 in February) and his Dad was NONE too impressed with me for that :lol: :lol: :lol: . We don't do fast food, juice boxes, fruit snacks, super sugar cereals, soda (he's never had any and could care less), "fun kid food" at ALL. It really ticks me off that all of a sudden food has to be "fun" in order to appeal to a kid. What's that about? It's FOOD!? Being healthy and eating well is FUN!!!! Technicolor yogurt is NOT fun!!!!! It's gross!!!!!!!
TJ eats lollipops once in awhile, cookies too (only homemade - I guess I'm a LITTLE fanatic, LOL), and he likes chips too (he's allowed plenty of treats, but they are just that, "treats,") but each day, on a REGULAR basis, he eats a balanced diet with fruits, whole grains and vegetables, and guess what...... he really knows what his body needs now. When he's hungry he does not often ask for junk (though he does sometimes) - he asks for what he needs. A banana, some peanut butter, cheese, etc. He really knows what his body is telling him. Similarly he does NOT eat if he is not hungry, even if you offer him ice cream or potato chips. He knows it feels best to eat when you are hungry, and that when you are not hungry, there is NO reason to eat. He knows this because we've taught it to him. He has such a healthy attitude toward eating, one I wish I'd had as a kid!!!
So I've hopped up on my soapbox here just to say that I totally agree with feeding a little one healthy food. My philosophy has always been that his little body came out perfect and by golly, as long as it is up to me I am going to KEEP it that way. I'm not going to ruin it. He's worth more to me.