After years of succumbing to sugary, high-calorie foods, many of us are ready for a dietary change. One of the best ways to do this involves getting our families to embark on the healthy-eating journey with us. Loved ones can offer much support and motivation in our quest for seeking healthy food options, and having them on our side can certainly make the whole process a lot more enjoyable. In getting your family to start eating healthy with you, try these simple tips.
Give personalized reasons
Eating healthy can provide different benefits to different people. Not surprisingly, highlighting these various reasons is key. For instance, explaining to your seven-year-old how eating healthy can be beneficial in gearing up for soccer season is akin in impact to reminding your high-schooler that carrots over candy bars will provide the much-needed energy during finals week. Suffice it to say, approaching from different angles can help each family member see what he or she has to gain from the healthy-eating change.
Make it fun
Touring the local supermarket may not seem like the most thrilling way to spend an afternoon, so find some additional ways to stock up on healthy food. One tried and true approach is visiting a local farmers’ market, where sampling and selecting fresh produce while soaking in the sunshine can constitute quite an enjoyable experience in and of itself. Another approach is to maintain a small family garden, which can encourage special teamwork in order to reap the ripest fruits and vegetables.
Meet halfway
It’s not a bad idea to remember what can aptly be dubbed the magic word of healthy eating: moderation. Part of revitalizing you and your family’s dietary regime is finding a new balance, so take care to listen to others’ needs and concerns. Trying to unilaterally force a complete lifestyle transformation can quickly prove unreasonable and ineffective. Find an appropriate middle ground that fits for both you and your family.
Take it slowly
Progress comes with patience, so it’s important to bear in mind that any serious lifestyle adjustment can hardly happen overnight. An endeavor undertaken too quickly is easy to lose interest in, so it’s best to gradually ease your family into the transition of eating healthy. More important, taking the necessary time to do so can help you determine if you and your family are making the change for the right reasons.
