Obesity and the health problems associated with being overweight are increasing among Memphis children at startling rates. In just over ten years (from 1990 to 2002) the diagnosis of type II diabetes among children and adolescents increased 4 to 40 cases per year.
Early childhood is the perfect time to introduce a nutritious diet and stimulate a baby's sense of smell and taste, both of which greatly influence eating habits.
As the parent of a child who lives on grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken nuggets, developing healthy eating habits in children has always been a mystery to me. Nutritionists tell us that the senses of taste and smell are developing even in the womb, and parents can begin to support their children's nutritional health by eating a healthy diet throughout their pregnancy, and by breastfeeding – whenever possible – for at least six months.