Parenting's Mom Squad nutritionist, Ellie Krieger, has a lot on her plate: She's got a new cookbook, The Food You Crave: Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life (Taunton Press), is the host of Healthy Appetite With Ellie Krieger on Food Network, and is the mom of a 5-year-old. Her secrets to balancing a busy life with healthful eating:
Stop serving only "kid" food. "Offer kids food you like to eat-if they're hungry, they'll try it," says Krieger. You'll avoid extra calories from scarfing down leftover mac and cheese and they'll learn good habits.
Keep your pantry and freezer stocked with healthy choices like beans, tuna, and frozen peas so you can make a fast, nutritious meal without a last-minute run to the grocery store (or pizza place!).
Slip in fruits and veggies wherever you can. A favorite breakfast of Krieger's daughter is French toast with peaches on top. Don't worry if they're not fresh-canned or frozen are nearly as good as long as there's no added sugar or salt, says Krieger.
