Deciding to create a healthier diet is one thing, but incorporating that change into your family routine can be quite another. It’s not always easy to get everyone on board with making changes, especially if those changes require more work or time. But don’t worry; we’re here to help! This blog post will give you four tips for getting started on a healthier diet as a family. Let’s get started!
Establish a Grocery List and Meal Plan:
This may seem like an obvious step, but it’s imperative to plan ahead and establish a grocery list and meal plan. This way, you can ensure that the food you purchase is healthy and nutritious, as well as something that your family will enjoy eating. To make things easier, have each member of the family help contribute to the grocery list, so everyone feels included in the process.
This can also help ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to meals. Establish a meal plan for the week or even just a few days at a time, so you can structure your grocery shopping trips accordingly. Do some batch cooking or meal prepping, so you have healthy meals quickly available during the week.
Choose Nutritious Ingredients:
When selecting the ingredients for your meals, it’s important to think about their nutritional value. Try and opt for ingredients that are nutrient-dense, such as whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, and fruits, for instance Fresh crab is rated as “recommended” by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Avoid processed foods as much as possible. Check the labels on products before you buy them to ensure they are low in added sugars and contain healthy fats. Pay attention to serving sizes too – for example, a bag of chips can seem like a healthier snack if it has minimal fat or sugar content but what you don’t realise is that it contains several servings per bag, which means the nutritional value may be lower than expected. You could also try substituting unhealthy ingredients with healthier versions as well. For example, whole wheat flour instead of white flour or plain Greek yoghurt instead of sour cream.
Incorporate Variety Into Your Meals:
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to meal planning and grocery shopping, so it’s important to make sure you incorporate variety into your meals. This means trying out different recipes, foods, and flavours. You may even find that something like quinoa or kale is surprisingly tasty! If you have picky eaters in the family, try picking one or two new ingredients each week and gradually introducing them into your meals. It also helps if everyone in the family is involved in preparing the food, as this can help them be more open-minded about trying something new.
Use Healthy Cooking Techniques:
Using healthy cooking techniques is just as important as making sure you’re using healthy ingredients. This means limiting the amount of fat and salt that you use, opting for healthier cooking methods like steaming or baking, and being mindful of your portion sizes. If your family is accustomed to heavy, greasy foods such as fried chicken or french fries, transition them over to healthier alternatives such as baked sweet potatoes or grilled fish. You can also make healthier versions of some favourites with a few simple substitutions – try whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta, Greek yoghurt in place of mayo, and olive oil instead of butter. All these small changes will add up to big health benefits over time!
Incorporating healthy eating habits into your family routine doesn’t have to be difficult. With just a few simple tips, you can get started on the path toward healthier meals for the whole family. By planning meals ahead of time, educating yourself and your family about making healthy choices, creating a supportive environment in the home, and using healthy cooking techniques, you can make sure that your family gets the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy.