"What's on your child's plate today shapes their health tomorrow." This isn't just a catchy phrase—it's the reality facing parents navigating a food landscape dominated by processed options, clever marketing, and conflicting nutrition advice.

In this candid conversation, Dr. Craig and Amy Keever tackle one of the most challenging aspects of plant-based living: getting kids on board. Drawing from both clinical knowledge and personal experience, they unpack why the standard American diet has become so problematic for children, with unprecedented rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease appearing in kids at younger and younger ages.

The discussion moves beyond simply listing health benefits to address the practical hurdles families face. How do you handle school lunches when the cafeteria offers few plant-based options? What strategies work with picky eaters who turn up their noses at anything green? How can you navigate social situations like birthday parties without your child feeling left out? Each challenge is met with thoughtful, realistic solutions that acknowledge the complexity of family dynamics around food.

Amy shares kitchen-tested strategies that have proven successful, from creating visually appealing bento box lunches to involving children in meal preparation. The conversation explores how smoothies can serve as a gateway for introducing vegetables to reluctant eaters, and how children's taste preferences can transform surprisingly quickly with consistent exposure to healthier options.

For parents concerned about nutritional adequacy, Dr. Craig breaks down common misconceptions about protein needs and explains how plant-based eating can provide all necessary nutrients for growing children. The couple emphasizes that perfection isn't the goal—progress is. Whether your family commits to one plant-based meal per week or embraces the lifestyle fully, every vegetable-forward meal represents a win for your child's long-term health.

Ready to transform your family's relationship with food? Download our free PDF of kid-friendly plant-based recipes and join our supportive community of parents navigating similar journeys. Your family's health revolution begins at the dinner table—and we're here to help you make it delicious.

Click here for free downloadable PDF for Kid's Recipes! https://www.ozarkpediatrics.org/plant-based-resources

Thanks for listening to Roots To Health!

The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have seen or heard in this video. Dr. Craig Keever is a licensed pediatrician, but the content shared here is general in nature and may not be applicable to your individual health needs.

Stay connected and keep the conversation going:

🌱 Follow Dr. Craig Keever for more plant-based pediatric insights:
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ozarkpediatrics/
📍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ozarkpediatric/
📍 Website: https://www.ozarkpediatrics.org/

🎨 Connect with Amy Keever for art, creativity, and inspiration:

Website for plant-based Cuisine : https://www.wildflowercuisine.com/
📍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykeevergallery/
📍 Website: amykeever.com

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