Families have to do stuff that they don’t want to for the sake of each other. Can you see where this post is going already?! Okay, eating veggies isn’t that bad because some of them are tasty and delicious when properly prepared. Still, it’s tough to get into a healthy routine that will boost the whole family’s wellbeing. And, let’s face it – fries are too tempting!
The good news is that you’ve already taken the first step by realizing that you want to add healthier ingredients to your meals. The next phase is to read the following herbivorous hacks and implement them into your weekly plan.
Lead By Example
As a parent and grown-up, you’re a role model for everyone in your family. Yes, that includes other adults, too! So, it’s essential to set an excellent example by putting more greens on your plate. Hopefully, it will encourage the other grown-ups to follow suit, and then the kids should catch on also. A fantastic tip is to replace supplementary ingredients with veggies wherever possible. Do you like rice with your chili? Try it over crunchy vegetables instead – we’ve been know to include brussels sprouts in our chili. Are you a fan of chocolate for an afternoon snack? Replace it with a carrot stick so that reaching for veggies becomes second nature.
Get Food Creative
While you might have the willpower to maintain a veg-based diet, the children will find it tough. Part of the problem is the stigma with healthy food; it’s viewed as boring and unappetizing. Therefore, it’s down to you to spice it up and make sure the kids don’t think it’s unexciting. And, you can use loads of recipes as inspiration. Curries are the perfect tools for moms and dads as they’re excellent for bulking out with fruits and vegetables. The toasted spices and creamy sauce should hide them to the point that your children won’t know they’re there!
Make Them Available
Whichever tactic you opt for, there is one rule that applies across the board: make vegetables accessible. If you or your family have to go out of your way, the odds are high that you won’t bother. A lack of motivation is a surefire way to break the best of intentions, but you already have an appliance that will take the hassle out of the process. Your freezer stops food from going bad, and maintains its nutritional value too, finally solving the question, “can you freeze carrots?” once and for all. Have you ever had frozen grapes (or berries of any sort for that matter)? They are so good! The fridge is another method for keeping them available, as is a dry, cool storing cupboard. Some of my children prefer their apples chilled in the fridge, while others are happier when they come from the pantry – we keep some in both places.
Eat Out
Eating out is often viewed with suspicion for families that want to be healthy. But, it’s only bad for your wellbeing if you choose cuisines and restaurants that are calorific. Pick wisely and you’ll receive a dish that’s packed with vegetables. Not only that, but everyone is more likely to eat them when a professional chef or quality cook has prepared them. There’s no need to eat out regularly, but just enough that it’s a healthy treat for the family.
Get Them Involved
Nothing will get your children more interested in eating more fruits or veggies than if they are involved in the process. Plant some seeds or transplant seedlings. You don’t need much space to grow a few tasty things in the ground or in a pot on a windowsill. Don’t forget to include them in the kitchen! Topping their own pizza or creating their own salad are surefire ways to hear more “yum”s and less “yuck”s.
Never forget: veggies don’t have to be dull. Get your creative juices flowing and never look back!