Photo by Alexandra Andersson on Unsplash
Eating healthy is easier when it’s just you. And even then, it is still a bit difficult as something as basic as a busy schedule might derail those plans. But when you have kids, that’s a whole new level.
Why? Because you’ll have to figure out what everyone likes. And because they’re healthy options, chances are they’ll probably like the food options even less; which is why you’ll have to find a healthy compromise for everyone.
If you have ever tried to cater to the food needs of more than 3 people at the same time who want different meals, you know that this is no small feat. Now imagine having to prepare healthy family meals daily.
Thankfully, it can be done with a little planning, creativity, and the willingness to explore new culinary delights. Here’s how to do that.
Start With the Basics
By the basics, we mean carbs that contain whole fibers, no processed –or ultra-processed- foods, lean meats, fish, nuts, and seeds. The American Heart Association particularly recommends fish for improved heart health. These are the basic pillars of a healthy diet.
Examples of high fiber carbohydrates include oats, brown rice, whole wheat, quinoa (this is also rich in protein), sweet potatoes, buckwheat, barley, and rye.
Some good examples of fiber-rich nuts, legumes, and seeds include chia seeds, apricot seeds, lentils, beans, macadamia nuts, walnuts, peanuts, almonds, sunflower kernels, pistachios, and even ginger.
Eat a Lot of Vegetables and Fruits
Nothing says healthy meals like loads of vegetables and some fruits as desserts. Vegetables and fruits are great sources of fiber. They are very rich in nutrients, healthy enzymes, and minerals.
As a result, they promote gut health, improve digestion, boost the immune system, aid bowel movement, and regulate blood sugar. These fibers typically have a low glycemic index.
This means that they don’t cause sudden blood sugar spikes that are a precursor to diabetes. They function in a slow-release capacity where they gradually release sugar into the blood, thus making sure that there’s enough insulin to handle and break down the sugars.
Cut Out Sugary Drinks
By sugary drinks, we mean sodas, fruit juice –even the zero sugar or diet drinks, alcohol, and all forms of drinks containing refined sugars. Estimates show that the average individual drinks 45 gallons of sugary drinks every year.
Little wonder millions of adults and children are becoming diabetic –probably why there’s an obesity epidemic too. The same applies to ice cream too.
Get rid of all sources of refined sugars and choose natural solutions like honey, stevia, and others instead. Drink more water –there are flavored options for those who don’t like the “bland” taste of water.
Prepare and Eat Healthy Snacks
Snacks are an easy way to cheat on healthy diets. And because they’re easy to get, it’s easy for everyone to just grab a donut or a burger without even trying to.
It’s everywhere. This is why you should prepare healthy snacks for everyone. You can get a ton of recipes for healthy snack options. For instance, if you’re looking for a vegan gingerbread cookie recipe, you’ll find many that you can experiment with.
Also, fruits like apples, pineapples, plum, and many others can serve as snacks for everyone in the house.