Wouldn't it be simpler to lose weight if everyone in your household was not only supporting you, but they were actually eating the same healthy meals.  Think about it, how much easier would it be to shop and create meals, snacks or treats that everyone in your home could enjoy together.  However, we all know that it can be hard to get your family to eat more healthier foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

But, don't give up.  Even though it can be a struggle when trying to lose weight on your own, there are some great ideas to start getting your family more involved in your weight loss and also on a path to eating healthier foods.

Parents already have the difficult task of trying to provide healthy food choices for their family while competing against the more popular junk food choices.  It can be hard to convince kids and other members of your family that eating five servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis is the better choice.  Kids are either influenced more by what they see advertised on TV or from friends and what they eat.  Older members of your family might have busy schedules and find it harder to eat healthy foods.

Convenience is another thing that parents have to compete against as well.  Convenience stores are everywhere these days and kids, as well as adults love visiting them.  It's so easy to fill up on 32 oz of soda, chips, hot dogs, burritos, candy and many other junk foods or high calorie food items.   After all, if kids have a choice of candy or chips versus fresh fruit, what do you think they will choose?

Also, when you are trying to lose weight it's hard enough to stay focused on your plans, let alone others.  But, while it takes creativity just to keep yourself on track with new ideas for meals and activities, the same principles will work for your family as well.

Start thinking about breakfast and how you can get your family to eat healthier from the start of each day.  Besides cereals that are laden with sugar, try substituting with oatmeal and add some fruit to it.

Be more creative and make smoothies for breakfast by blending a little ice cream, ice and fresh fruit together.  You could also make a fruit salad and top it with a little cinnamon or even some granola.

Here's an idea for getting your family to eat more vegetables.  Instead of making the same old mixed salad for lunch or dinner, be creative and make your own little salad bar.  Just think how much more enticing it will be for your family to eat more vegetables when there are varieties of vegetables and condiments to choose from.  Change the vegetables each week so your family gets a variety of choices and reduces the chance of them getting bored.

Make your own croutons out of day old bread.  Use whole grain bread and cut up into small pieces, spread them evenly on a cookie sheet and bake until crisp.  Instead of seasoning with salt, use some pepper, garlic or any other choice of herbs.  Healthier croutons for your salad with no added oil or salt.

One of the best ways in getting your family involved with your healthy eating is to start out by taking small steps.  Introduce new ideas, meals and snacks slowly instead of all at once.  This way your family has a chance to get accustomed to healthier eating habits.  Pick different fruits and vegetables each week so your family does not end up becoming bored by eating the same fruits and veggies each day.

The whole idea is to get your family to try something new that is more healthier for them and at the same time, helping you to stay more focused on trying to lose weight.


Written by:   K. Ho from fatloss.synthasite.com