Sue Kuivanen of Felton talks about her new book, “Parent’s Diet Handbook.” The slim volume makes use of Kuivanen’s experiences raising her vegetarian 5-year-old daughter, Savannah, among other research. Lucjan Szewczyk/Press-Banner
Kuivanen, a graduate school-level researcher and a former English teacher, wanted to write a book — and what better inspiration than her and her young daughter’s journey of learning to be healthy?
“It’s not another health or cookbook,” Kuivanen said. “It goes beyond diet paths and gives practical ideas for parents.
“Experts tell us, ‘Eat kale,’” she said. “I show how you can get your child to eat kale.”
Kuivanen’s book entwines the challenges of parenthood with strategies, stories and experiences that could help other parents make decisions about how to feed a child in today’s society.
“So far, the people who have read it have felt very inspired,” Kuivanen said.
The book has chapters on sugar consumption, teeth, and growing and gathering healthy foods. Each chapter is an easy-to-read resource for parents hoping to help girls and boys eat well.
Kuivenan’s 5-year-old daughter, Savannah, is growing up as a vegetarian, and her mother has formally observed her for three years. Based on her experience and research, Kuivenan’s book shares ideas about how to feed children in the Central Coast region using the abundance of fresh, natural food at local stores and farmers markets.
The book describes the struggle of a parent helping her child grow up healthy.
“(Savannah) is being raised as a vegetarian,” Kuivanen said. “But I don’t proclaim that it is going terrific. This book helps (parents) get crystal-clear on their positions.”
She shares her best ideas of how to get more natural and simple foods into a child’s diet and talks about her journey working with the San Lorenzo Valley School District to improve the quality of lunches at its elementary school by incorporating produce from local farmers.
“We vote with every purchase,” Kuivanen said. “That’s not my idea or a new idea. The book shows the complexity and importance of voting with your food choices.”
At a glance
• WHAT: “Parent’s Diet Handbook,” by Sue Kuivanen, 117 pages
• COST: $16.95
• WHERE: www.lulu.com; search “Kuivanen” • To comment, e-mail Peter Burke at peter@pressbanner.com, call 438-2500 or visit www.pressbanner.com.
The real challenge are the parents who have well established eating habits and don't recognize the value in changing. Hopefully this book can have a positive impact on some of them. Good luck, Sue, and thanks for your effort.