Who said that the Southerners are not about their health. Even though scientists have named the Southern United States the “Diabetes Belt,” some youngsters are taking it upon themselves to change the Southern dining culture.

A few weeks back, a South Georgia 10-years-old C.J. Senter set the internet ablaze with his workout video, “C.J. The Workout Kid,” aimed at his peers who don’t want fall into the grips of childhood obesity brought on by a sedentary lifestyle full of video games and 24-hour child-centric T.V. networks.

Now that C.J. has the fitness market sewn up, let Frugivore introduce you to a South Florida chef, who wants you to use his new cookbook to live healthy.

Meet Chazz Darby, who is all about using his knowledge of the kitchen to help the young and old enjoy alike his nutritious meals.

At the tender age of 10, this elementary school student is creating low calorie meals for himself and all of his peers to enjoy while sneaking in some veggies and fruits.

Helping to create change and awareness, Chazz along with his mother Dorette Darby, created a cook book “My Own Food” interactive cooking for children of all ages with adult supervision, by Chazz Darby. But like many young people this young man needed a little push. But this creative mom found a way to tantalize her son’s tastebuds.

According to The Grio, Mother Dorette Darby says “I had to create a way for him to eat vegetables and fruits by incorporating it into everyday meals.”

Meals like heavenly banana wrap, sweet plantain muffins, island cucumber punch, and chicken nuggets and fries that are baked!

This young chef’s cookbook, with help from Mom, has been in the works for three years promoting healthy meals for kids designed by a 10-year old.

And Chazz knew he was on the right track, just by watching what his classmates were eating at school. Chazz says “do you eat alot of that stuff too? No, it gets fat and I want to be healthy.”

Childhood obesity is the saddest epidemic in America. According to the U.S. Centers for Discease Control and Prevention, approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) of children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese. There are significant racial and ethnic disparities in obesity prevalence among U.S. children and adolescents. For example, non-Hispanic black girls were significantly more likely to be obese than non-Hispanic white girls.

Last year, First Lady Michelle Obama launched a nationwide campaign called “Let’s Move” to help combat childhood obesity. Empowering parents to become more informed about nutrition and exercise while encouraging kids to make healthy decisions.

Resulting in healthier lives. Dorette says “he’s enjoying it he really doesn’t miss it.”