Healthy Choices Healthy Children—The Cookbook
Turning nutrition science into everyday meals families can prepare with confidence.
About the book
A synopsis by Dr. Ellouise Carroll
Healthy Choices Healthy Children—The Cookbook is the practical companion to Dr. Ellouise Carroll's nutrition-education book Healthy Choices Healthy Children—Foods To Grow On. Where the original volume explains the science and urgency behind whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) eating for children, the cookbook translates those principles into everyday meals families can prepare with confidence. Drawing from her decades of experience running a preschool, childcare center, and K–6 program in Puyallup, Washington, Dr. Carroll offers recipes that were tested, refined, and successfully served to children in real educational settings.
The cookbook emphasizes whole, minimally processed ingredients — vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds — while avoiding the additives, sugars, and preservatives common in convenience foods. Dr. Carroll's goal is to help families shift from nutrient-poor meals to dishes that support growth, immunity, and long-term health. Each recipe is designed to be approachable, affordable, and adaptable, making healthy cooking realistic even for busy households.
Dr. Carroll includes "transition recipes" to help families gradually move toward WFPB eating. These dishes mimic familiar comfort foods while incorporating healthier ingredients, easing children into new flavors and textures. She also provides guidance on shopping, meal planning, and involving children in food preparation to build positive attitudes toward nutrition.
Throughout the cookbook, Dr. Carroll reinforces the message that healthy eating is both a lifestyle and an investment in a child's future. She shares insights from her school's transformation — from serving processed meals to offering organic, plant-forward dishes — and highlights the improvements she witnessed in children's behavior, energy, and overall wellness.
Ultimately, Healthy Choices Healthy Children—The Cookbook serves as a practical, family-friendly resource that empowers parents, caregivers, and educators to nourish children with meals that are wholesome, flavorful, and grounded in science-based nutrition.
Scan the QR code to get your copy.
Inside the Book
What makes this cookbook a practical companion for families, caregivers, and educators.
From Science to the Table
The companion to Foods To Grow On, translating whole-food, plant-based principles into everyday meals families can prepare with confidence.
Tested with Children
Recipes tested, refined, and successfully served to children in Dr. Ellouise's preschool, childcare center, and K–6 program in Puyallup, Washington.
Approachable & Affordable
Whole, minimally processed ingredients with guidance on shopping, meal planning, and involving children in food preparation.
Transition Recipes
Dishes that mimic familiar comfort foods while incorporating healthier ingredients, easing children into new flavors and textures.
Ready to bring healthier meals to your table?
Contact Dr. Ellouise to learn about ordering options or to bring her healthy-cooking experience to your school, childcare program, or parent group.