Don't know where to start

deesign4427
deesign4427 Posts: 14
in Introduce Yourself
Good morning everyone.

I am a 44 year old mum of 3 just beginning to change my ways.

Can anyone give me some ideas how to keep 3 kids and hubby happy and satisfied with their meals while I try to improve my eating habits?

Whilst not fussy eaters, they are not on board with healthy options.

Gotta start somewhere, sometime so might as well start here and now.

Replies

  • bathsheba_c
    bathsheba_c Posts: 1,873 Member
    Define healthy options. What is your family's diet like now? What changes specifically do you want to make to how you eat? That's going to make a huge difference in the advice you receive.
  • SamanthaAnnM
    SamanthaAnnM Posts: 143 Member
    You could start by looking for healthier versions of your family's favorite dishes. Just google "healthy pizza" or whatever food of your choice. Additionally you can substitute ingredients to make things healthier, such as greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Replace unhealthy side dishes like french fries or mac and cheese with delicious fruit medleys or salad. And don't offer a dessert unless it's a very special treat. Pay more attention to portion sizes...if this is a problem, don't have food sitting on the dinner table while eating. Serve it in the kitchen and put it away before sitting down to eat. Drink water with dinner instead of sodas or juices. Do family activities that are both fun and active - instead of going to the movies, go to a cool museum. After dinner, you could take a walk or bike ride around the neighborhood.
  • nataliexxxx
    nataliexxxx Posts: 262
    You could make the meals which they are already eating healthier and cook and buy healthier food but still buy them some treats
  • jarrettd
    jarrettd Posts: 872 Member
    If you don't want to change what they eat, fix a second meal for yourself. I precook chicken breasts and freeze them in individual portion sizes. Steam a bag of broccoli, thaw a breast, and ta-da... a healthy dinner for one!

    My family wasn't interested in healthy eating either, but I've slowly (over the course of a year) changed what I buy and fix for them, and they've hardly noticed.
  • deesign4427
    deesign4427 Posts: 14
    Thanks Samantha,

    I do think portion size is a real issue for us but I worry that if I cut down too much, they'll just start snacking.

    I home cook 90% of our meals from scratch so I can add goodies and cut naughties easily enough. I am pretty sure we eat too much red meat though.

    I really appreciate the advice, D
  • deesign4427
    deesign4427 Posts: 14
    Define healthy options. What is your family's diet like now? What changes specifically do you want to make to how you eat? That's going to make a huge difference in the advice you receive.
    We eat 'well'. I bake my own bread and cook most meals from scratch.
    We have eggs and bacon at the weekend for breakfast but it's cereal and/or yoghurts during the week.
    Main meals do have a lot of pasta and rice but rarely do we have desserts. We have just 1 or 2 glasses of wine/beer on Friday & Saturday evenings.
    Crisps (potato chips) are a temptation for my OH and kids but not me; mine's chocolate which is only a problem 1 week in 4.
    Our family fitness is really lacking though. I love to swim but don't often get the chance to get to the pool and our portions are always generous.
    I need to keep everyone satisfied or they will just reach for biscuits/cakes.
    Problem is my 12 yo loves to bake cakes so if they are hungry, she will just bake a cake!
  • deesign4427
    deesign4427 Posts: 14
    If you don't want to change what they eat, fix a second meal for yourself. I precook chicken breasts and freeze them in individual portion sizes. Steam a bag of broccoli, thaw a breast, and ta-da... a healthy dinner for one!

    My family wasn't interested in healthy eating either, but I've slowly (over the course of a year) changed what I buy and fix for them, and they've hardly noticed.

    Hi

    I work a 10 hour day so the idea of cooking seperate meals doesn't appeal but I also want to keep our family time of sharing news and interacting around the meal table. I like the idea of precooking the chicken breast though - thanks for the idea!
    D
  • mermx
    mermx Posts: 976
    Hey Dee, why don`t you ask for some friends with families to add you or add them,. then you can share some tips and diaries?

    It really is hard with a family that all wants to eat different stuff...been there done it lol!
  • mermx
    mermx Posts: 976
    Forgot to add maybe check out the recipe section for ideas also!
  • deesign4427
    deesign4427 Posts: 14
    Forgot to add maybe check out the recipe section for ideas also!

    Thanks! I guess I need to find some online friends with kids who raid their fridges as much as mine do.
    Part of the problem is that some of the ingredients I buy with a plan in mind, get munched before the meal gets made.

    I will stop by the recipes later today too and do my shopping at the same time.

    Appreciate the help, D
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
    Meals that involve "make it yourself" can be useful in this situation.

    For instance, mexican burritos. Heat up some burrito wraps, make a chilli, have a bowl of salad, and grated cheese, lettuce, sour cream, guacamole and sliced tomatoes etc. The family can customise theirs with as much cheese and sour cream as they like, you can make yours healthier with more salad.

    Or baked potato night, with a selection of fillings.
  • deesign4427
    deesign4427 Posts: 14
    Hi Melanie

    Thanks for those - both great ideas.

    Will be trying them out this week especially as school holidays at the mo.

    Much appreciated!
    D

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