Tips & Tricks to Make Healthy Eating a Family Affair

“The first wealth is health.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson, American lecturer and poet. Ralph Waldo Emerson was spot on when he wrote this, identifying the link between good health and prosperity. Part of being healthy involves eating delicious and nutritious “good” food.  This doesn’t necessarily mean eliminating all of the foods that are considered “bad.” It’s more about adopting a balanced diet and a positive attitude towards eating.

All members of the family can get involved with healthy eating, from Great Grandma Edna to Spot the dog. There are clever tactics you can employ to make this an easier task – from the ingredients you use (think bright, tasty foods) to the way it’s served. Personalised bento boxes (lunch boxes offering a variety of tasty treats) are a novel way of keeping children interested.

Breakfast

There never seems to be enough time when you are trying to get out of the door in the morning, so being prepared is a great way to avoid the morning madness. The kids are looking for their homework/shoes, you are looking for your car keys/pen and the dog just wants a walk/bone (delete as appropriate)! Thinking about a healthy breakfast is probably relatively low on the list of things to do. Easy is best – think porridge and fruit or wholemeal toast with a tasty spread accompanied by water and unsweetened fruit juice.

Lunch

Lunch on the go can be expensive and you can save a pretty penny by preparing a homemade packed lunch each day. This is also a great way of incorporating healthy food. Keep things interesting by avoiding repetition – sandwiches can be filling but there’s so much more on offer – from wraps to panini’s, salads to pasta and rice.

A bento box is a great way of offering an interesting array of food, especially for children, who tend to get easily bored. A few surprises can encourage reluctant eaters to be a little more adventurous. Fill a personalised bento box with colourful foods such as cubes of fruit or tasty cheeses on cocktail sticks. Use stickers or personalised name labels featuring their favourite characters and decorate cartons for fun-packed eating.

Dinner

Eating together is a fabulous idea when it comes to healthy eating. Having bowls of food in the centre of the table is a good way of introducing new veg to your kids. Helping themselves to one or two green beans may be a more attractive prospect than their plate arriving piled high with strange stringy green things. Showing your children that mum and dad enjoy what’s on offer can encourage them to try things for themselves. Switch off that TV and use dinner time as an opportunity for a family catch-up over wholesome food.

*This is a collaborative post*