Parent to Parent: The Budding Cook

WSVN -- For kids, eating healthy is definitely not in their list of priorities.

Mimi: "I find that kids eat healthier when they are involved in the cooking process."

And that is why Mimi, a mom of two sometimes picky eaters, founded the Budding Cook, cooking classes for kids with a healthy twist

Mimi: "The budding cook has been a great combination of things that I love, which is cooking , cut to and after having kids being able to combine the two together has really been wonderful."

Today, with the help of this group of four budding chefs, Mimi is making a kid pleaser: chicken nuggets, minus the fat.

Mimi: "They are healthy because they are not fried. They are coated with corn flakes, and it's fun."

Seven's Parenting Expert Dr. Valerie Goode says it is natural for a child to want to eat healthy. As a parent, you have to give them that option.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "Their bodies are going to want healthy foods if you have it in front of them."

Dr. Val says make cooking an adventure. Give them a recipe, and let them find the ingredients at the grocery store. Once home, have them help you prep. They will be excited about eating something that they made.

Another advantage to cooking, you can incorporate a fun math lesson while preparing the food, and, besides having a nutritious meal, you will be connecting with your child.

Dr. Valerie Goode: "You are talking about the day, you are talking what happened, and it's a very natural way to do it."

And the results speak for themselves, empty plates, happy stomachs and healthy kids.

For picky eaters, Dr. Valerie says the best advice is to be persistent. They might not like the carrot sticks at first, but, if you give them the option more than once, they will eventually try it.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dr. Valerie Goode
www.drvaleriegoode.com

the Budding Cook
www.thebuddingcook.com