| You already know how important it is to make healthy | | | | time to do some recipe research will save your sanity |
| food choices for you and your family. But how can | | | | in the long run. Then once you find a "hit" with the |
| you fit the best choices into your busy life? | | | | family, store the recipe in a book or on your |
| You'll be pleased to discover that a hectic life doesn't | | | | computer.? |
| mean that every meal has to be fast food on the run! | | | | * When you cook, make large batches and freeze the |
| Sometimes it's difficult to make healthy changes, but | | | | leftovers. This way, you'll already have meals in the |
| with a little planning and know-how, it can be done. | | | | freezer that you can just thaw, heat, and serve. No |
| Here are some strategies to help you and your family | | | | muss, no fuss! This is the opportune way to enjoy |
| make healthy choices: | | | | "fast" food at home. |
| 1. Avoid temptation. It's so easy to walk into the store | | | | 3. Eat Slower. Since the brain takes about 20 minutes |
| with good intent, but walk out with bags full of | | | | to get the signal that the stomach is full, if you eat too |
| unhealthy foods. Unfortunately, our wills are weak, | | | | fast you'll pack in a lot more food than you need. |
| especially if we've trained ourselves over the years to | | | | When you're still thinking you're hungry, it's easy to |
| buy junk foods. | | | | make the wrong choices about food. If you slow down |
| * Never shop when you're hungry. This way you won't | | | | while you're eating, you'll eat less and you'll still feel full. |
| pick out unhealthy choices because they look good at | | | | * Set a calming mood before sitting down for a meal. |
| the moment.? | | | | Avoid having the television on or eating as you're |
| * Get rid of the unhealthy foods in your home. If they | | | | rushing the kids out the door to another activity. Sitting |
| aren't around, you won't be tempted to eat them. | | | | calmly at the table will allow everyone to relax and |
| * Think of healthier alternatives to your family's favorite | | | | enjoy their meal. |
| unhealthy foods. Rather than high calorie chips, try trail | | | | 4. Make dinner time a social experience. Dinner should |
| mixes or rice cakes. Low calorie puddings or frozen | | | | be about enjoying your company and taking pleasure |
| yogurts are better alternatives to higher fat ice | | | | in the foods you're eating. |
| creams. | | | | When you begin to look at mealtime as a social |
| 2. Eat fast and healthy meals at home. When you're | | | | experience, it becomes easier to make the right |
| tired at the end of the day and you realize you still | | | | choices about healthy foods. Suddenly you aren't so |
| have to feed the family, it's easy to go to a fast food | | | | worried about rushing through and making it quick. |
| chain and throw fast food on the table. It may save | | | | Dinner becomes a great experience when you're able |
| some time, but it won't save your health – or your | | | | to enjoy healthy foods together. Take time to eat as a |
| pocket book! | | | | family and enjoy a real conversation with each other. |
| * The great thing is that there are many easy, fast, | | | | Talking will naturally slow down your eating pace, while |
| and healthy foods you can make at home. This takes | | | | also reconnecting you with your family members. |
| some planning, but you'll be more satisfied, save | | | | Using these techniques will bring all kinds of healthy |
| money, and be healthier as well. | | | | benefits to your family and teach your children a |
| * Look online for quick and easy recipes made with all | | | | healthy lifestyle. Healthy food choices are a possibility |
| natural ingredients. Many recipes can be made in 30 | | | | in your busy life if you take the time to plan ahead and |
| minutes or less and only have 5 ingredients. Taking the | | | | make dinner time a priority in your home. |