Ask the Health Coach - Family Meal Planning

Posted in: Healthy Eating // 1 Comment

Question:
Every year, I make a New Year’s Resolution to be healthier, but most of the time I find that I don’t follow through with it because my family doesn’t like to eat healthy. When it comes to family meals, especially during the holidays, my family can never agree. I’m struggling to eat a healthier diet while keeping the meals delicious and filling! Making decisions in the kitchen has become a constant struggle between feeding hungry appetites and keeping those appetites healthy. When it comes down to it, my family just doesn’t like eating healthy. I often find myself cooking two meals, one for me, and one that my family will eat. How can I keep the family eating together without spoiling my resolution to finally fit into that little black dress? Please help!
Thanks,
Mary

Answer:
So many times, people get discouraged when it comes to bringing the family together for dinner. Here are some tips to get your whole family involved.
Make a family agreement. Sit down with your family and set healthy goals. Let them know the importance of being healthy and the benefits of doing it together.
Plan meals together. Get your family’s input on what they would like to eat. Give them choices, but remind them to keep nutrition in mind.
Take the family shopping. Make it a fun event going to the grocery store, or the farmers market. Tell your kids to each pick out a new fruit or vegetable they haven’t tried. They may be surprised with the kinds of exotic fruits are out there.
Get the kids in the kitchen. Giving your children responsibilities in the kitchen will make them proud of what they make, and more likely to eat the finished product!
Make it fun. Try shaping their vegetables in a funny face, or tell your kids to see how many different colors they can put on their plate. Anything that will get them more likely to try new foods!
Exercise as a family. Go on walks after dinner or take the whole family to the park.
Surprise them. Chop up vegetables and put them in a casserole or pasta.
Be patient. It will most likely take a few different tries before your kids get used to the idea. Don’t bribe them, and always be a healthy eating role model.

Ask a Health Coach questions and answers are compiled by Health Designs.