How to eat healthy with your family

One of the biggest things I hear from my clients with families is

"but how to I get them to eat this way?" 

"My (spouse, kids, grandparents, etc) are picky eaters, they'll never eat these foods."

As someone who does't have kids (yet anyways), I often turn to outside sources for tips and tricks on how to incorporate healthy eating into family life.

This article has some great ideas on how to get started on changing your whole family's way of eating, so if you're struggling take a moment to check it out and get some ideas:

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How to eat healthy with your family is something that is on the top of many parents minds.  One of the main obstacles with healthy eating is family objections.   Family members complain about having chicken and push away greens on their plates; after a while it’s tempting to give up on the idea of healthy eating.

It helps to be very “middle of the road” when turning your lifestyle around and expecting your family to join you.  Don’t start having food wars with them; it’s not worth the turmoil and frustration. However there are some things you can do to make them happy while still eating healthy.

*Modify your favorite recipes.  

For instance, use lean ground beef, drain and pat dry or rinse it.  Serve chicken breast for fajita, use less cheese in mixed dishes, and serve raw veggies as a side dish; use your crockpot and bake or broil instead of frying.

*It doesn’t work to prepare a healthy meal for you and a separate meal for your family.  

You will burn out quickly doing that!  Serve a balanced diet and allow each person to choose how much and what they want.  For instance, if the family requests pot roast, pick a leaner cut of meat, and then fix a salad and another green veggie and serve.

Many of them may only have meat and potatoes and you may only have the meat, salad and green veggie, but you all basically eat the same meal.  If they want you to make their favorite enchilada casserole smothered in cheese, modify it and then make yourself a large salad to have on the side while keeping your portion of casserole smaller.

*Sliced veggies and fruit go over better. 

When school activities are bombarding your schedule, it’s OK to bring home a pizza (stay away from the fatty meats or deep dish). Cut up some carrots, slice up an apple and pear or purchase a veggie tray to have along side your pizza. It will help you to keep portions controlled.

*Refuse to be a restaurant!  

Serve the meal, allow kids to eat what they want and how much they want without nagging or criticizing.   Your job as a parent is to serve healthy and regular meals and snacks.   Their job is to choose how much and what they eat.   Forcing kids to eat isn’t worth it.

*Include the family in the meal planning.  

If your family has a say in meal options, they will be more cooperative.  Agree to try a healthy recipe once a week. *Plan ahead – plan the meal that’s the most difficult for YOU to control.  When not with the family, make a point to choose the BEST choice.

*MODERATION! 

Eat smaller portions of fattier foods and large portions of veggies and lean protein and you’ll keep your weight down and make your family happy.

Be patient. Eating healthy is a lifestyle and it takes a while for everyone to adjust. Follow a solid nutrition guide, Beachbody has amazing nutrition plans, and is one that our family follows. If you follow these steps, “How To Eat Health With Your Family” will never be a question again. Play it smart, include your family and you’ll get the results you want.  A happy, healthy family!

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Original article: http://www.gettingfittogether.com/how-to-eat-healthy-with-your-family/

All I would add is to start small and slowly, and it's likely that no one will even notice the changes.