Goddess: celebrity moms

• 'Spotlight to Nightlight': Just Eat It!

  posted by Ali Landry - Mon Aug 10 2009, 7:20 AM PDT

  celebs: Jennifer Garner | Ali Landry | Julia Roberts
  topics: Kids

  Celebrities have always been scrutinized for what they eat, but what about their little ones? Some big stars are letting their kids rule the menu (Cheetos and soda for dinner?), while others (like Jennifer Garner) are opting to make well-rounded meals by shopping at farmers markets or (like Julia Roberts) growing their own organic produce. On this episode of "Spotlight to Nightlight," host Ali Landry talks to former model and actress Catherine McCord ("Hotel for Dogs") about getting kids excited to eat healthy foods and teaching them good habits that will last a lifetime.

  Ali's Take
  Being from the heart of Cajun country, I grew up around some of the best cooks and food in the world. My dad was a farmer part time and had his own dairy growing up, so we were fortunate to always have fresh fruits and vegetables around the house. Some of my fondest memories are of shucking corn with my grandma on her swing in the late Louisiana afternoons. But, even though we always had beautiful fresh produce on hand, all I seemed to want was starch, starch, and more starch. Trust me, no one made rice and gravy (my favorite!) like my grandmother. As a kid, I ate mostly grilled cheese sandwiches, grits and eggs, rice and gravy, and cereal. I can remember driving my parents crazy because I wouldn't even try new foods. I sometimes think Estela is getting me back for all of the trouble I gave my parents at mealtime. She is almost 2 and is a pretty picky eater. I try to offer her healthy options, but sometimes it is a little difficult. She only adds about one new food a month to her repertoire.
  
  When I found Catherine's site, Weelicious, several months ago, it really helped me put things into perspective when it comes to food and my picky eater. Estela has been eating pretty much the same thing for about a year now and I get a little frustrated when I think about it. Sometimes it's hard, but I continue to introduce new foods, get Estela involved and have fun. She has just started preschool this week and she loves helping me pack her lunch. We put in something from every food group, which make it very colorful, and include some of her favorites along with new options for her to try like little broccoli trees and hummus dip. I'm excited to see what she will eat, and am hoping that once she sees other children trying different things, she may do the same.
  
  All moms are busy and we can fall into a rut when it comes to mealtime. Sometimes just getting them to eat anything at all is a struggle and at the end of a long day, who wants the added stress? I am determined to stay strong and not give in to my picky little eater and, most importantly, I'm trying not to put too much pressure on myself.

  
  
  Special Thanks to Dragonfly Dulou (children's clothing, classes like "Music Together," birthday parties, and more) in Los Feliz, California, for hosting us!
  
  Follow Ali on Twitter

  Miss past episodes of "Spotlight to Nightlight"? Get the latest dish from Niecy Nash on raising teens:

  Check out more past episodes of "Spotlight to Nightlight":

  Bilingual Kids

  Celebrity Surrogacy

  Hollywood Fatherhood

  The Name Game

  Blowout Birthday Parties

  Mompreneurs

  Expect the Unexpected

  More on Yahoo!: Explore and view entertainment bites, hand selected for mom on Yahoo! Groups

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