Appetite for Life

June 4, 2012
Antine, founder of HealthBarn USA in Bergen County, N.J., and Westchester, N.Y., left a job as a senior v-p at an advertising firm to earn a master’s degree in science, food, and dietetics. From there, disturbed by news that children today may not live as long as their parents because of such lifestyle diseases as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, she answered her “career-changing wake-up call” and opened an innovative business that has taught more than 30,000 kids (HealthBarn runs summer camps, after-school programs, weekend workshops, and school assemblies, giving parents a break from the role of “enforcer, detective or martyr” when it comes to getting their kids to eat healthfully). The focus is on helping kids connect the dots between eating well and feeling good. Antine, who is not a parent herself (the kids call her “Aunt Stace”), says children are more likely to eat good foods when they are involved in the growing, shopping, and/or preparation. Information and education are part of the program—she gets kids reading labels and acting as “spies” who learn to search for additives and other unwanted ingredients. Frustrated parents will find plenty of encouraging and practical ideas as well as more than 100 recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack time.

July 1, 2012

"Why wouldn't kids like to eat pure food from nature?" asks dietician and nutrition educator Antine. Her guiding principle is "connect your kids to their food." The book focuses on healthy meals and including children in the process of preparing food by starting a garden and recruiting them as kitchen helpers. Playing a label-reading game like "Supermarket Spy Kids" can engage children to learn the difference between natural and artificial ingredients. Among the many recipes are Chocolate Zucchini Cupcakes, Sweet Potato Pancakes, and Eggplant Parmesan Towers. Informative charts compare homemade with store-bought ingredients and feature "Week at a Glance" meal recommendations. A pantry list will help readers know what to have on hand. VERDICT Antine's thoughtful approach gives a whole-foods perspective on cooking for the family. This book keeps things simple for the time challenged and offers alternatives to fast food.--Barb Kundanis, Longmont P.L., CO

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.