7 Ways the Whole Family Can Embrace a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

If you’re like most people, you want your family to have a healthy balanced diet. 

This is why you may go to great lengths to make sure your family is taken care of, and that you have healthy food options in the house. However, sometimes it can be difficult to get the whole family to be on board with it. Everyone has their own opinions, favorite meals, and foods they dislike, so it can be hard work to enjoy mealtimes as a family. 

Another issue is that you may have the best intentions to embrace a healthier lifestyle and diet. But, life can get in the way. There are classes to get to, work deadlines to meet, and household chores. 

It can be all-consuming. 

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t embrace a healthier diet and lifestyle, and sometimes simple changes to routines or new habits can help you get there. So with that in mind, here are 7 ways the whole family can embrace a healthy diet and lifestyle.  

1. Eat together as a family

One way you can start to encourage a healthier diet for the whole family is to eat together. This is a way to set a good example for everyone, especially children. Family meals give you the opportunity to unwind from your day and learn about everyone else’s day. Too many times we can rush mealtimes, which is why this is a good habit to start.

Eating dinner together can also help your family grow closer and encourage everyone to try new foods.. 

2. Consider a rewards chart for children

It’s hard to encourage children to try new foods and meals. Instead, try making mealtime for children a time they enjoy. You might want to even consider creating a rewards chart. 

It’s a well-known fact that some children love to be praised and rewarded for good behavior. But your rewards don’t have to include toys or anything like that. It can just be an opportunity to have a special dessert after a meal, a sticker, yoga pose cards for kids, or even a new book. This is a great way to read mindfulness books for kids! 

Printables for Kids Make Great Rewards!

Here are some other easy and affordable reward ideas (under $8!): a printable Gratitude Journal for kids, Mindful 3-Jar Activity pack for kids, or Needs and Wants activity printables!

3. Try different recipes for family favorites 

There are some recipes that the whole family loves. They tend to be the food you make over and over again because everyone loves it. 

Fan favorites include spaghetti and pizza. However, you may also want to try alternative recipes and even different cuisines. This might mean looking online for recipes, trying to encourage more fish-based dishes, or even hiding vegetables in sauces the kids like. A pro tip: Consider grilling as there are tons of food you can throw on the BBQ!

4. Meal planning can be your best friend

Meal planning is a great way to get the family involved and make your day-to-day life a bit less stressful. Plus, if the children are part of the decision-making process they’ll be more likely to eat the meals for the week ahead. A pro tip: Meal planning can also save you money on food and reduce the amount of food that you waste.  

5. Embrace a healthy diet and lifestyle: Exercise as a family 

A healthy lifestyle isn’t always about what you eat. It is also about physical activity. Exercise can help increase your energy level, sleep quality, and help you feel your best. 

Physical exercise can also have a huge impact on your mental health. This is important for you as parents as well as your children. Plus, when you exercise as a family, you get to work together as a team, spend quality time together, and be proactive when it comes to your health. Another pro tip: Do yoga with kids. 

Yoga is good for your body, soul and mind!

6. Get the kids involved with your new healthy habits

It may sound simple, but getting the children involved with these changes will likely have a positive impact on them. Kids understand more than we give them credit for, and if you explain why you’re changing up meals or talk to them about the benefits of yoga for children, they’ll be more inclined to participate. 

You could also get them involved with cooking. If a child helps choose ingredients and then gets to cook with you, they’ll have a sense of pride attached to that – meaning they will be more likely to try more foods and enjoy what they’re eating. 

7. Grow your own food

Finally, if you have the space inside or out, why not give growing your own fruit and vegetables a try? This is a great way to eat healthy veggies and get your children involved in the growing, harvesting and cooking process!

Time for the Whole Family to Embrace a Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

Let’s hope this article has given you some inspiration and tips on how you can get the whole family to embrace a healthier lifestyle. Are you ready to give it a try? We thought so!