My son likes many healthy foods. He'll often ask for carrots or fruit for a snack. He also enjoys low-fat yogurt, sunflower seeds, and cherry tomatoes as snack foods. He has no problems drinking water or 100% juices, either. But give him the option of eating candy or drinking sugary sodas and I can guarantee that's what he'll choose. I don't like to think of my kiddo having free rein in front of a school vending machine loaded with sugary sodas, chocolate, and candy. No child requires junk food, after all. I'm not the type of person who's a complete stickler about nutrition -- I'm perfectly happy to allow my son treats from time to time. But I prefer the treats to be at home where I can manage them myself.

Two bills that will pass on Sunday will phase out the sale of sodas and impose some restrictions on the calorie, fat, salt, and sugar content in foods sold on California school campuses. A former California senator, Marcia Escutia, has been researching and campaigning for increased nutrition standards in schools for more than 6 years. The bill states that drinks sold before, during, and after school must consist of fruit and vegetable juices without added sweeteners. Bottled water, low- or nonfat milk, and some sports drinks are also allowed.

I applaud California's efforts. I know other states have implemented stricter nutrition guidelines in the past and hope to see my state following suit soon.