Your dieting, but your family isn't? What do you do?
By bwillyard
@bwillyard (34)
United States
March 25, 2010 1:30pm CST
So I've been trying to watch more of what I eat and keep the percentage of healthier foods in the house. I'm the shopper and FT cook so I pretty much get to say what we have. However, they still have to eat it :) I've tried slowly substituting whole grains, different veggies, etc...but they are a tough crowd. I don't want my 5 yr old to have to eat a sandwich every night because she doesn't like what I made. I did however stop buy some of the very high fat content foods, like BBQ wings. Those are my husbands favorite. He asked a while back why I haven't bought them in the a while. Of course I told them, no way they are coming in this house. He's dealing with it. How do you handle this situation? I would love to hear your ideas!!!
1 person likes this
4 responses
@artsyfartsygypsy (755)
• Canada
25 Mar 10
I know where you're cominmg from. Im trying to get myslef healthier, at a better weight and in better shape/nicer toned. Only problem is that teh rest of my family isnt into doing so with me. As Im not the primary caregiver of the family or shopper so I dont get to choose the meals oreven have the chance to make them. Im working with what I have now, but when I move out and have control over it it'll be a liot easier.
@bwillyard (34)
• United States
25 Mar 10
That's tough. You know you can start reading the labels to them maybe that will help start educating them. I do that with my oldest daughter (14) and she now looks at some of her snack choices and understands what she is putting in her body. She still eats them, but at least the knowledge is building.
Good luck, thanks for the comment.
@thyst07 (2079)
• United States
25 Mar 10
When I was a kid, if I didn't like what was on the dinner table, I didn't get a sandwich as a substitute. My grandma always said that she wasn't running a restaurant and wasn't going to make meals "to order." So I could either eat what was on the table, or go hungry 'til morning. Don't feel too bad about telling your 5-year-old that they have to eat what's there- making her a sandwich or a different meal every time she says she doesn't like what's there will just encourage her to be pickier in the long run. Kids won't starve themselves- when she's hungry, she'll eat what you provide. Also, try to present whole grains and veggies in a positive light. Try fun presentations- my grandma used to use green beans to make "pictures" on my plate. Another Mylotter told me that her parents got her to eat broccoli and cauliflower by calling them "summer trees" (broccoli) and "winter trees" (cauliflower). Be creative. And make vegetables and grains that you enjoy, and make sure that your kids know that you really like it! Present it as something delicious, not as something that you know you're going to have to force them to eat. You can also look up new recipes and modify them to make healthier versions. Believe me, healthy food can be absolutely delicious food, even for kids!
@bwillyard (34)
• United States
25 Mar 10
I love the ideas, thanks for sharing. My parents forced me to eat many things I didn't like. They never dressed it up like that though. Thirty years later, I still don't eat any of them. I think I built up a resentment for all of them. I did start trying to eat a few of the, little at a time because I know they are healthier choices. I've heard just always put them on their plate and they will eventually start eating them. That's what I've done for my youngest and it has worked for green beans and corn.
Thanks again!
@besthope44 (12123)
• India
1 Aug 10
Well make them understand, or make tasty foods which also take care of their diet and health.
@crackx (628)
• Belgium
25 Mar 10
Well since I'm still living with my parents, I'll tell you how they do it.
My mom as well, tries to eat everything that has low fat etc. But my dad doesn't.
So she cooks 2 dishes... It might be hard for you to achieve this, but once you get used to it, it is no further any problem.
@bwillyard (34)
• United States
25 Mar 10
haha, she's one good mom! Unfortunately I'm lucky to get one dish made sometimes with my work schedule and family schedule. Thanks for the advice though. You should really appreciate your mom.
