Excuse: Blame it on the schools.

Response: Although schools are a part of the problem, you have your child most of the day. She suggests fixing lunch for the child if you can. Slowly eliminate various food week by week from the diet. If you can't fix lunch at least provide the healthy snacks.

Excuse: Blame it on Abuelita.

Response: Grandparents may undermine you when they are taking care of your children and this does present a challenge. However, you are the parent and your decisions about your child's diet can have an impact for a lifetime. What would you do if you really thought your child's life depended on you?  Studies are showing that plaque acquired around the heart until the age of 18 is reversible but after that it is irreversible.

Excuse: My child will not eat fruit unless it is from the street vendor.

Response: For the cost of a typical $5.00 or more cup of sliced fruit, get a better value for your buck by buying whole fruits from the store, and slicing them(try to make them as pretty and appealing as the vendor). Ask your child what are the favorite fruits he or she likes.

Excuse: Healthy Food is Expensive.

Response: This is a valid argument but there is no price tag on the value of your child's life. Honestly, a lack of will power to be imaginative(*See Bridgetown Blog on fruit popsicles) , motivated to incorporate moderation or step out of traditional comfort zones of cooking winds up being the problem.

Lack of Knowledge: I give them clear sodas.

Response: There is no difference in caloric value whether the soda is light, dark or coconut flavored. Sodas tend to be loaded with sugar. It is among the major contributors toward weight gain among kids along with junk food. Know what food and drinks to use in moderation and know what to eliminate. She recommends eliminating sodas from your child's diet.

*Bridgetown Blog recommendation by MCCN Editor - See Recipe for fruit sticks with lime and chile salt, Jalepeno peach popsicles, Kiwi lime popsicles, and more.