The human body is like a machine, if you put sub-quality things into it, that's exactly what will come out of it. Compare the body to a car - if you fill your gas tank with the inappropriate mixture of fuel will it work? Of course not! Yet, each day human bodies are being filled with sugars, processed foods, bleached flours, and artificial colorant and flavors.

Starting children eating right early on is ideal, but it's never too late to introduce nutritious eating. Start with baby food. Read labels to make sure baby is receiving healthy servings and less additives and preservatives, or make your own. Steam, puree, and freeze baby food as you prepare meals for adults and older children (before spices and seasonings are added). It takes more time to prepare initially, but as babies grow they'll be used to the taste of adult food and transition much easier. For older children, examine the new food pyramid which can be found at www.mypyramid.gov for recommendations. The pyramid was updated by the USDA on April 19, 2005 to be more user-friendly and the site is interactive and tailored to each individual. When age, gender and physical activity levels are inputted, a personalized pyramid is generated. The pyramid delivers useful information in terms of the proper number of cups or ounces of food to eat. But that's just the first step. The pyramid also delivers information regarding the appropriate amount of physical activity needed and will track your nutritious accomplishments when progress is entered onto the site.

Healthy eating should include the entire family. It's great to tell children to do things, but much more effective if they see mom and dad doing them too. It's also fun to involve them in the nutrition process. Allow them to select a meal, help prepare the meal, select healthy snacks, or choose their lunch menu. The idea is to keep healthy foods available in readily available portions and to have fewer quantities of unhealthy items on hand. Healthy eating is just like most things - it's a habit and requires regular practice in order to make it stick.

Try to schedule family meals as often as possible. Whether large or small, statistics show that families who sit down regularly together for meals have children who are less likely to use drugs, are less likely to snack on junk foods, and are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables. Family meal time is an excellent time to introduce new foods as well. One family selects a new fruit or vegetable once a month and has all family members vote on the food. A majority vote determines whether or not the food should be added to the regular grocery list. Try to make it fun, mix it up and learn healthy nutrition together.

March 2006 is the first National Nutrition month since the new pyramid was introduced. Visit www.mypyramid.gov and make it a family affair. Print out a pyramid for each family member and make a commitment together for a healthier lifestyle. Better yet, print out the worksheets and make it a challenge. The family who sticks together achieves together. You can do it!