Eat Better, Together

Happy family enjoying a healthy meal together at home in the kitLeading a healthy and active lifestyle is extremely important for everyone in your family. However, changing dietary habits can be extremely difficult, especially if you’re the only one in the house
doing it. Instead, make it a family affair. Find ways to eat healthy and spend time as a family. Taking the time to sit down at the table together is important for your physical health, as well as your mental health. October is Eat Better, Eat Together month, so today we are going to discuss four ways to eat better as a family.

Eat at the table
These days kids and families are so busy it seems like there is little time to spend together. Set at lease one day a week where everyone must eat at the table together. This will allow you to share little pieces of your day and bond. And make sure you eat at the table, not on the couch by the TV. It seems like it’s easier to eat healthy when everyone else is doing it. Eating together isn’t only good for your physical health; it’s also good for your mental health.

Lead by example
If your kids see you eating well they will too. Kids have a tendency to model the behavior of their parents, this include dietary habits.

One bite rule
Follow the one bite rule – they must try at least one bite of everything on their plate, even if they claim they don’t like it. This will allow the food to be introduced to their diet and maybe one day their taste buds will change. I know someone who used this rule with their four kids. And I’ll tell you what; I’ve never seen a family that eats a wider variety of healthy foods and vegetables. There were at least three vegetables served with every meal! And guess what? Their adult children still eat that way today!

Make it fun
Include the kids in the grocery shopping or the cooking. Let them pick out fresh produce at the store that they want to try. And have them help prepare dinner. They will want to try the food they make and they gave you a little bit of help. It’s a win-win.

Now go make plans with your family for dinner!

 

For more healthcare tips for you and your family, check out my workbook for dealing with caring for your children, as well as your aging parents: Life in the Sandwich Generation. Life in the Sandwich Generation is a workbook filled with information, tips and tricks for managing the demands needing to care for your aging parents, as well as taking care of your children. It details how you can involve your children in the process, how to learn more about your parents health and finances, while still making time for yourself and your spouse. You can find it here for only $10!