Healthy Eating Tips for Busy Families
Most parents do their best to teach their children healthy habits, but sometimes busy schedules can get in the way of our good intentions. Parents juggle not only their own schedules and responsibilities, but must also manage those of their children. However, being busy doesn’t have to prevent your family from eating well. If you’re looking for some easy ways to help your whole family stay on track with a healthier lifestyle, here are some simple tips to help you get started:
Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand
Often the simplest solutions are also the best ones! Avoid purchasing processed, pre-packaged snacks and replace them with healthy options. By keeping healthier snack choices on hand and readily accessible, they become the most convenient option for your family. Instead of stocking your pantry with foods that are filled with empty calories, have nutritious foods such as nuts, sliced vegetables, and fruits available. That way, everyone in the family will be able to grab a balanced and healthy snack before you head out the door.
Plan Meals in Advance
As our family’s schedules fill up with work commitments, lessons, and sport events, sitting down to a balanced meal often takes a backseat to convenience. While the occasional meal out can be a treat, when it becomes a regular routine it can derail the entire family’s diet. Planning and preparing meals in advance will not only simplify your daily routine, but it will make healthy meals the most quick and convenient option. You’ll also be better-able to manage portion sizes. Set aside some time one evening each week to prepare your family meals. Encourage the whole family to participate! It will lighten your workload, and also help your children learn more about nutrition.
Make Healthy Eating Fun!
Nutritious doesn’t have to mean boring! Adding healthier new items to your family’s menu can actually be quite exciting. Let the whole family get involved in choosing new recipes to try. Not only will this provide the opportunity to experiment with new foods and flavors, but it will give everyone a chance to participate! Bring your children with you to the grocery store, and ask them to choose one new fruit and vegetable to try each week.
A busy schedule doesn’t have to keep your family from enjoying nutritious meals together. Try incorporating a few of these ideas into your usual routine, and you’ll discover that healthy eating is really quite simple!
Article provided by Interhealth the leader in quality Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements.
