thank you for your input. it means alot that we basically agree. I had to deal with alot of flack from my in-laws when we mentioned that we were cutting back on the processed junk. they told me that it was "not right" to force my eating opinions on my children. and that if I didn't take care of my own body image issues the kids would develop the same problems. I don't think its wrong to be concerned about what you eat. theres a difference between maintaining a healthy view of food, and stressing over what you look like and every calorie. personally i think if i had grown up in a home where the sweets were less available, maybe I wouldn't have such cravings now. and if I can spare my kids that, aren't I doing them a favor?