We've got an epidemic of overweight kids in our country and food experts put the blame on ubiquitous fast food.  Big burgers, fries and the like are quick and easy answers for families on the go.

But a new report has suggests that families are dialing back on the fast food and pointing their children towards healthier choices.  Instead of soda, it's fruit juice.  Crunchy vegs rather than quick-fix French fries.  Hearty sandwiches on whole grain bread instead of a double-fisted burger.  Kids are eating more yoghurt, drinking more milk, enjoying the satisfaction of a crispy apple or a handful of the seasonal berries now in our stores.

Like  most everything , moderation is good.  A fast food choice once in a while is okay, but all the time is not only fattening to the family budget but also to growing young people.  Many families are finding their meal budgets go further when they prepare wholesome foods at home, and skip the drive-through option.

It's not only kids who benefit from this, either.  When I'm ready for an afternoon snack, I'm scavaging through the cupboards for things like whole roasted almonds or a few pieces of dried fruit, some breakfast cereal with 1% milk, a couple of whole grain crackers with peanut butter.  The frig is happiest when it's well-stocked with things like Greek yoghurt, all manner of fresh fruits and vegetables, hummus and tortillas, both corn and whole wheat, with just enough cheese to satisfy.  All this fills me up nicely until dinner, and doesn't empty my pocket, either!