Cookbook and tips for home cooks

In addition to just loving food, I am also a cookbook author. I have recently penned my first cookbook written to encourage parents and children to cook together. It's called The Lunchbox Chefs cooking 101. This book is very near and dear to me as I want to contribute to the the fight against childhood obesity. Children don't need to be on diets! They need high quality, delicious and creative meals and snacks that make eating from home just as exciting, but more healthy than fast food.

I do understand that sometimes you want to treat them to a fast food meal every blue moon, but 90% of what they eat should come from their home kitchen. I know as parents, we are busy (I have a 16-year-old sweetheart who prefers my food to junk hands down). However, they deserve our commitment to their short and long term health.

Here are a few tips to help make cooking fun:

Create a theme night once a week:

Pick a day and decide on a fun food theme. Require that your child(ren) help shop for and participate in the meal preparation. For example: Diner Fridays - I cook 2 diner favorites with fresh ingredients and always include a fresh fruit side or vegetables.

Take them to the farmer's market:

This is a great outdoor activity in which you can bond with your child(ren) and explain the benefits and flavors of new and familiar fruits and vegetables. It is also an opportunity for parents to ask questions. Take home something new and try it out!

Be honest with your child(ren):

Let them know that they will live long healthy lives when they eat healthier foods. Let them know that dining out and fast food are treats and not foods they can eat every week. Tell them they will always be strong, healthy and fit if they eat well and play actively (something physical, not dolls and cars!) for an hour a day (they should love that). Join them when you can :)

In closing:

Make sure what is coming out of your kitchen tastes great! Children will eat more than burgers and hot dogs believe it or not. They are just like adults, they want something that tastes good! If you can't cook, no problem get a copy of my cookbook http://lunchboxchefs.com/merchandise/merchandise.html

It isn't hard to transform your child from junk food junkie. It just takes creativity, love and a good cookbook :). Bon Appetit!