First, I would encourage you not to think of nutrition as a bad word. Contrary to what you may think, nutrition is not the enemy. Eating healthy is actually a tremendous blessing that will help you manage your weight, give you energy, and generally help your overall health. I am amazed at how many health problems are related to poor nutrition and obesity. Think of nutrition as a gift you can give yourself and those you love. Your attitude toward nutrition has a huge roll in your success.
I also would like to encourage you to not try to do everything at once. The tendency is to go out and buy all new food, spending way too much money; and make 5 new meals in a week. If you do that, you and your family will get overwhelmed quickly and will want to give up. Instead of being a blessing, it will be a frustration. Most people like to eat what they are used to eating and can’t handle too many changes all at once.
Instead, choose one thing to change at a time. Check out 7 healthy substitutes to help you get started, but don’t break your grocery budget. Gradually restock your pantry by using some of the money saving tips on this site. If you want to try a new recipe, pick a day that is less busy for you. Consider that a recipe always takes longer the first time you make it, so give yourself extra time. Have fun with it. Continue to make your family’s favorites and gradually incorporate the tips from this site to improve the nutrition of your dinners.
My goal for feel good about dinner is to be an encouragement to you as you seek to improve the meals you put on the table. My goal is not to judge you or make you feel guilty because your kids ate a fruit roll up. News flash: my kids have eaten fruit roll ups. I have a teenage boy. Every time teenagers get together unhealthy food is part of the package. That’s just life. But that should encourage you all the more to make healthy choices when you are in control of the menu. I want you to think of it as a gift to your family every time you include just one new thing that will benefit their overall health. Then you and your whole family can feel good about dinner.
Great advice! We have made significant changes to our eating habits, but it didn't happen over night. I've been kind of slack recently, and really need to get back to meal planning and getting fresh fruits and veggies ready to eat in the fridge. makes it so much easier for everyone to grab healthier alternatives if they are easily accesible. (My husband thinks fixing a sandwich is too much work! lol)
ReplyDeleteGreat post Heather! Taking it one step at a time is the best approach. I to am trying to do that, but it's been hard with a hubby who is a junk food junkie. I keep plugging away though, substituting healthy ingredients here and there so he doesn't notice. Then by the time he figures it out, his taste has adjusted to the new flavors, and he likes it. It just takes time, but the benefits are worth it.
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