Meals Matter

Focus on Nutrition

Answers to your commonly asked nutrition questions.
General Nutrition
 
How can I find enough time to prepare a nutritious dinner for my family?
 
Help - how do I get more protein into breakfast?
Weight Maintenance and Weight Loss
Does calcium reduce body fat levels and slow weight gain in women?
 
What is the healthiest approach to lose weight?
General Child Nutrition
At what age is it OK to watch the fat intake of a child?
 
How many calories should a 9 yr old boy have?
 
What should I pack in school lunches?
 
Is it ok for my child to snack?
 
My 16 month old is slightly anemic. How can I increase his iron intake with healthy foods?
Child Nutrition and Overweight
Is my three year old overweight?
 
Do you have an eating and exercise program for my 10 year old daughter?
 
I am concerned that my child is going to be an overweight adult. Should I put him on a diet?
Poor Appetite
My 3 year-old has not been eating well lately. She normally eats just about anything I put in front of her, but now prefers to play with her food instead of eating it. Should I be worried?
Portion Sizes
At what age is it OK to watch the fat intake of a child? I know up to a certain age they should have things like full-fat milk and such.
Is it ok for my child to snack? I'm worried that he won't eat his regular meal.
My 3 year-old is overweight and has been since she was an infant. She eats the same foods as other children her age, but in greater quantities. She refuses any vegetables and will eat only sweet fruits. I don't want to make meal times upsetting for her, so I try not to press the better fruits and vegetables. Will things ever get better? Thanks!
Food or Supplements?
Can vitamins take the place of meals?
 
I am eating albacore tuna for omega-3 fats. Should I be eating salmon or taking a supplement instead?
Picky Eaters
Help! My toddler is such a picky eater! She turns up her nose at most of the food I offer and insists on eating the same foods day after day! I don’t think her diet is balanced.
 
My son is 1 yrs old—what kind of table food would be great to offer him? He doesn’t seem to like anything with texture except for stage 3 oatmeal and other cereals.
Vegetarian Family with Kids
How do we prepare balanced vegetarian meals for our family?
 
Is a vegetarian diet okay for my 3 year-old child? She is a picky eater, and will not eat vegetables or beans. We're vegetarian and want to make sure she'll get all the nutrients she needs to grow. Any suggestions?
Food Allergies
Help! My 3 year-old seems to be getting a rash every time I feed her eggs. She has been eating eggs with no problem up until now. Is it possible for her to develop food allergies over time?
 
My son is 4 and has food allergies. What can I pack him for lunch? He has allergies to peanut butter (severe) and corn. Thanks!
Food Safety
Is it safe to eat moldy cheese?
 
What's safest type of cutting board in the kitchen?
 
Can I freeze whipping cream after it has been whipped?
Choking Hazards
I am concerned about my 2 year-old choking on foods I give him. What foods should I specifically avoid?
Flavored Milk
My preschooler refuses regular milk. He will only drink the flavored kind! No matter how thirsty or hungry he is, he just will not have anything to do with plain milk. Is flavored milk just as good as regular milk for kids this age?
Eating Out with Toddlers and Preschoolers
My husband and I are afraid to go out to dinner with our 2 year-old son! He refuses to stay in the highchair, and screams at the top of his lungs while we’re in the restaurant. I’m sure it is annoying to other patrons, but we don’t want to deprive ourselves of a family evening out once in a while. Any advice?
Advertising to Toddlers and Preschoolers
My 4 year-old is a magnet for anything with a cartoon character on it. It has been impossible to take her to the grocery store without her finding and wanting packaged foods displaying these characters. Should I be concerned about my daughter choosing unhealthy foods because of this?