Veggie-free toddler? Time to go green

In the 2011 documentary “Vegucated,” three meat lovers adopt a vegan diet, never expecting they’d be transformed by their encounter with the stuff that grows from the ground! But they are, and it’s a pretty rough, though comic, journey.

That’s a transformation your child should never have to go through. It’s essential that infants get a varied menu of fruits and vegetables when they first encounter solid foods. The right mix of plant-based nutrients shapes brain development and sets them on a path of good nutritional habits for a lifetime.

But according to research published in Pediatrics, in the U.S., 25 percent of 6 to 11-month olds and 20 percent of 12- to 23-montholds ate NO VEGGIES on the days they were surveyed from 2005 to 2012.

Our bet : Mom and Dad aren’t eating fresh veggies, either! So here’s our challenge: Serve your children at least one vegetable serving (1/4 cup cooked or 1/2 cup salad) and one fruit serving (half a fruit) in every meal. And show them how good greens and root veggies are by making sure YOU get 7 to 9 servings of fruits and veggies a day.

The dangers of denial

In the 1993 movie “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” every time Prince John appears on screen, the large mole on his face is in a different spot. His right-hand man finally points this out, saying, “Your majesty, stop me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t your mole on the other side?” Prince John responds: “I have a mole?”

The prince’s denial is comical. But it’s no laughing matter that many of you are ignoring serious health problems. In a survey, researchers gathered information on over 45,000 people’s heart-attack risk factors: high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, smoking, chronic stress, lack of exercise, poor diet and excessive alcohol consumption.

Almost three-quarters of respondents said they should improve their health, but around 55 percent said there were barriers to doing so, such as lack of willpower (numero uno!) and time. And almost 20 percent of people with five or more risk factors didn’t see any need to improve their health!

You have the POWER to change every risk factor. Enlist a workout buddy or a supportive friend; get your doc’s help with seeing a diabetes educator, nutritionist and/or physical therapist. You’ll reduce your risk of diabetes, depression, some cancers — and don’t forget heart disease! And have that mole looked at.

Email questions for Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen to youdocsdaily@sharecare. com.