By Nicola Graimes

Reviewed by Melanie Wilson


I recently used this book to lead a nutrition talk on getting more fruit and vegetables in a child's diet. While it seems pretty straightforward, the truth is that most Americans eat less than three servings of fruit and veggies per day on average. Considering all the benefits of a high-produce diet (high nutrient-density, fiber, phytochemicals, lower risk of death from food related diseases), most people are still either unconcerned or unsure how to change their diets. Enter Gimme Five!, a colorful, kid-friendly book that virtually invites your children to learn along with you.

We all know that the key to getting kids to eat right is to start from the beginning. This superb manual briefly explains the whys of five (World Health Organization recommendation); offers tips and tricks for incorporating fruits and veggies into individual meals and the daily menu plan; and provides useful, easy-to-understand nutrition information with plenty of delicious vegetarian recipes. One of my favorite things about the book is the bright, colorful pictures and that each fruit and vegetable featured has its own detailed page.

This would be enough for me to recommend the book, but add to this that it comes with a pull-out chart and fruit and veggie stickers to help kids (and parents!) track their daily serving intake, and you've got a winner in my book.

Buy this book now from Amazon.com

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