Childhood obesity is an epidemic in this country. To try to encourage healthy eating habits, schools are swapping out the cardboard pizza for grilled chicken salads and the chocolate milk for skim milk.

And while the schools are clearing out the vending machines, moms everywhere are raiding Whole Foods for the healthiest meals for their families.  But what’s a mom to do when it’s you’re out at restaurant and the kids’ menu lacks a full evaluation of the nutrition values?

Grab a copy of Eat This Not That for Kids by David Zinczenko with Matt Goulding!

In the introduction, the authors present an argument for teaching your children healthy eating habits and for making smart choices at restaurants.  But the real highlights of the book, much like the version for adults, are the full page descriptions of what foods to choose at common restaurants like Applebee’s, Boston Market, and Arby’s.  

Even the most health conscious moms will be surprised at some of the options.  For example, did you know it’s better to get the Arby’s Cheddar Melt than the Turkey and Swiss Marketplace sandwich?

Then there are pages of foods that you’re keeping in your house, like organic yogurt, which the authors compare calorie for calorie.  For example, Oikos Vanilla Greek Yogurt is better than Horizon Fat-Free Organic Yogurt.  Why? The Greek yogurt has more protein and less sugar!  Sure, Horizon has fewer calories, but the sugar is not going to fuel your kiddo as well as the protein in Oikos.  

Finally, there are some fantastic recipes in the back to incorporate into your weekly meal rotation that are not only healthy alternatives to your usual meals but so super tasty, your kids will actually eat them.  

If you’re struggling with your child’s diet or if you’re just worried that you’re not feeding your little one’s the best foods possible, pick up Eat This Not That for Kids.  It’ll make feeding your child a whole lot less stressful, so you can focus on helping them grow up… not out.

Eat This Not That for Kids is available on Amazon.com and in bookstores.