Many of my friends are new moms and have babies between four and six months of age, so they’re beginning to feed them solids. The question I’m always asked is, “How do I know when he’s had enough?” Recent research shows that infants are born with an instinct, referred to as their appestat, which sends a “stop eating” signal to the part of the brain that controls appetite. Trusting this inborn sense about how much food will satisfy his appetite lays the foundation for good eating habits for the rest of his life.

I love to eat on the beach. Whether its a simple picnic at high noon or cocktails and finger foods watching the sunset, dining al fresco is restorative for me.In Italian, al fresco means in the fresh. Translated into English, it means outdoors, and preparing a picnic lunch to enjoy outside doesnt have to involve lots of work. With some thought and planning, it can be easy and fun.

While all sorts of nutrition fads come and go, one thing will never change: Breakfast isthemost important meal of the day. Children who eat breakfast perform and behave better in school (because theyre not hungry and cranky), consume more calcium, fiber and vitamins than those who skip breakfast, and tend to eat less fat and cholesterol than their friends who miss this valuable meal. Breakfast eaters tend to have healthier body weights, and this is true for adult men, women and children in all age groups.