Busy Morning

Do your mornings feel frantic? Does the idea of sitting down with your family at breakfast sound like an impossible dream? Take a deep breath, grab a seat, and give yourself a break by reading a happy tale of a healthy morning—which just might make your dreams come true.

Written by Laura Coti Garrett, MS, RDN, Busy Morning may be fiction, but its story is no fairy tale. With over twenty-five years’ experience helping children and parents adopt better eating habits, the author knows the art of healthy living. As you read the story of little Elsie and her parents with your kids, you will learn the simple steps you can take to create a happier, healthier lifestyle for your family. By planning ahead—making batches of freezer meals and packing lunches the night before—Elsie’s parents ensure their busy work schedules don’t compromise their nutrition goals. Elsie’s childlike perspective shows how fun healthy living can be, and how great it feels to enjoy stress-free time with family.

Following the delightfully illustrated story, you’ll find a brief parents’ guide with tips on setting goals, what to keep in your pantry, and even recipes.

Author Laura Coti Garrett, MS, RDN, has over twenty-five years' experience helping children and adults form better eating habits and improve their health. A registered dietitian-nutritionist, she specializes in diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and the glycemic index, and excels in translating nutrition science into practical solutions people can apply to their daily lives.

Garrett, owner of the food marketing, communications, and consulting firm Realtime Nutrition, helps food companies provide credible and meaningful nutrition information to consumers and health professionals. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and holds a BS from Marywood University and an MS in nutrition communication from Boston University.

Illustrator Ellen Goldring, LPC, ATR-BC, CCLS, is a professional counselor, certified child life specialist and art therapist, and an artist whose work has been exhibited in numerous galleries.