Posted by: Trina January 8, 2012

This interview was conducted by our HAPPYMAMA Richel in Island Empire CA

We had the chance to talk with Tina the author of The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Plant. Tina is a wealth of information and has offered a great giveaway of not just one book but three fans will receive a copy. Making your own food is the best gift you can give your baby in the New Year.

Get to know Tina!

So tell us a little about yourself!

I'm a Registered Dietitian, Spokesperson, TV Correspondent and Author.  I've been practicing for nearly 20 years.  I can't believe that, but it's true!

What inspired you to write this book?

My private clients who were new or expectant mothers inspired me to write this book.  Their questions all had common elements, so I compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions, concerns and fallacies, and those became the basis for the manuscript.  Also, my concern for young childrens' health was a big motivator for writing the book.

What do you think are the biggest challenges parents have in making food for their children rather than buying pre-made meals or fast food?

The biggest challenge is not being empowered.  Education and insight make anything possible.  That's another reason why I wrote the book.  An empowered parent is one who can raise a healthy child.  My goal was to show parents (and grandparents) how simple and quick making food for babies and toddlers can be.  "Cooking" as a whole seems to be intimidaing.  Preparing food for a little one who's life and future dependends on you seems all that more daunting.  This book gives parents the simple, clear information they need to give a child the gift of health and wellness for a lifetime. Most parents have told me that making their own baby food or cooking from scratch is a big time stealer for them.  I tell them that until they try it and see how easy and rewarding it is, they should not make that judgment.  Do you have any advice for busy moms that want to make their own baby food but are too scared or think they don't have time? Try it.  That's it.  I just tell parents to try one recipe.  That's usually all it takes for them to see they can prepare anything for their child.

I love Chapter Four of the book.  I think that it is import that parents understand what they are feeding their children and why.  Do you find that parents are asking more and more questions about the "what's" and "why's" about food with all the recent publicity about the things they are finding in food (like the recent juice issues).

I'm glad you found that chapter helpful.  For those who haven't read the book, I named this chapter "Getting the Best Early Nutrition - A Reference for Your Baby and Toddler."  It addresses everything from allergies and intollerances to fish consumption and choking hazzards.  I discuss nutrient needs by age and stage along with hot topics like sodium, juice and sugar.  And everything is simple, science-based and enjoyable to read.  I don't like being preached to - especially when it comes to food and nutrition - so I didn't take that tone in this book.  The content is lively, fun to read and easy to undertand.  And it was done that way, since parents are wanting more and more information about the "wheres" and "whys" of food.

Do you have any favorite recipes from the book?

Well, since I developed each one and tested them each two to three times, that's a tough question to answer!  I like the Perfect Petite Pesto, Date Sunrise Suprise, Lentils & Rice with Yogurt Sauce, Lovely Little Pasta Soup, and Comfy and Cozy Rice and Apricot Pudding.  Should I go on?

What are some of your favorite "tools" in the kitchen?

I'm not a fan of high-tech or fussy gadgets.  Instead, I think home cooks should have a few, essential staples that will make life in the kitchen easier.  A good blender is essential.  I also think investing in the best quality knives you can afford is smart.  You're only as good as your tools!  I use a good, sharp peeler for everything from making chocolate curls to peeling vegetables.  And I hightly suggest all home cooks have a zester, good measuring cups and spoons, a durable chopping block, and a meat thermometer.

What was the last thing you made or baked from scratch?

I invented a cocktail!  Little known fact:  I'm also a bartender.

Is there another book in the works?

There are a few ideas in the hopper.  We'll see what comes to fruition!

If you would like to learn more about Tina and get recipes, tips and inspiration so you can mix it up with your baby please join Tina over at Facebook, Twitter and on her website, so you can see how to purchase her book.

If you want to wait about 5 days you can see if you WON the book! HAPPYFAMILY was given 3 copies of Tina book "The Best Homemade Baby Food On the Planet" so our fans have a chance to win it. So go ahead what are you waiting for? Enter today!

Giveaways Guidelines

1. Leave a comment on this blog post with the age of your child and if you make or buy your baby food.

2. Go to The Best Homemade Baby Food on the Planet Facebook page and tell Tina what your biggest challenge is with making baby food, and she will give you some great suggestions on how your life can be made easier.

3. Go to the HAPPYFAMILY Facebook page and tell us how we make your life easier when feeding your baby.

Good Luck! The Giveaway will end on Saturday January 14th at Midnight.