Making sure that your family eats wholesome food regularly is not an easy task, especially when there are so many other aspects of life you need to take care of. Good strong diet starts with implementing healthy eating habits in the household, and that requires discipline, sticking to the meal schedule and choosing the right products. You won’t get very far in keeping your family healthy if you’ve got a fridge full of processed foods, frozen dinners, and sweets lying all over the house.
If you’ve got children, then you know how vital it is to teach them to pick food that is good for them from an early age, and that can only be achieved if you present them with that food at home. This article is dedicated to foods that will help you keep your family and yourself healthy and happy.
Oatmeal Is a Great Way to Start Your Day
Instead of heaving sugary cereals that are the go-to food for so many families, opt out for much healthier and more nutritious version – oatmeal. It might not look very appetizing and the taste certainly won’t be as interesting as it’s the case with your favorite box of cereals, but you can be sure that oatmeal does wonders for your body. It’s full of nutrients your metabolism needs to start off the day right and it is rich in fiber, which is great news for your digestive tract. There are countless ways to make oatmeal more interesting and appealing, especially because eating it plain won’t make your kids and yourself very happy. Add some fresh or dried fruit to make your breakfast sweeter, we always go for bananas, strawberries, blueberries, whatever is in season. When every member of your family starts their day with a hearty breakfast, not only will you all be in a better mood, but your brains will function better and you will stay full longer.
Spread Healthy Snacks around the House
If you want your kids to steer clear from chips, cookies, too much ice cream, sugary drinks and everything in between, you need to make sure that you haven’t got any of it in the house. Sure, the little ones might get a bit fussy when you don’t provide them with their favorite snacks, but you should always be prepared and offer a healthier alternative. If you and everyone in the household have got a sweet tooth, don’t cave and grab a chocolate bar, but put in some effort and make a batch of granola bars from scratch. That way, you know exactly what you’re eating, you’re indulging your cravings and you’re eating healthy, so there’s really no downside to this story. Stock your fridge with fresh produce, and have fruit lying all over the house, so that anyone can reach for it at any point. Cleaning your house from all the unwanted products full of empty calories is a foolproof way to get your whole family on the right track of healthy diet.
Oily Fish
Where do you stand on the fish front? Surprisingly, many people tend to forget that fish can be wonderfully incorporated into the daily menu, and that’s a pity, seeing that it’s so good for you and your family. Seafood, in general, has plenty of goodies to offer to anyone who strives to eat well and replenish their body daily, but fish like trout, salmon, and sardines stand out most. The main reason why you should cook with fish regularly is that it can offer you nutrients that are scarce in all other foods like it’s the case with iodine. Our thyroid needs this mineral direly in order to work properly and we all know how important this gland is for your wellbeing. What’s more, with oily fish included in your meals, you get your share of omega-3 fatty acids, which are amazing in keeping the metabolism in check and they’re also of great help in reducing inflammations in the body. In short, health benefits of oily fish really shouldn’t be neglected.
Cruciferous Veggies and Leafy Greens
In case you’re not familiar with the term, cruciferous vegetables are cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage and you already know your dark leafy greens – anything from spinach to Swiss chard. Cruciferous vegetables are good the body because of their high content of fiber, not to mention they’ve got a lot of protein going on for plants. There are so many innovative ways to serve cauliflower and broccoli, don’t just go for the simple steamed option, it gets old rather quickly. When it comes to leafy greens, they’re incredibly good for your body and mind, seeing that they’re rich in all kinds of vitamins and nutrients you can think of and don’t forget about much-needed antioxidants. All in all, bringing these fellas to your dinner table will make thing more colorful and infinitely healthier.
We’ve barely scratched the surface with the healthy foods that are best for keeping your family healthy, but this is just to get your interest. There are so many recipes out there that are delicious and nutritious for your family and all you have to do is pick a few and start cooking. – Theresa Brawner
Theresa Brawner is a 28-year-old fitness instructor from Boston, MA, who writes articles for www.diet.st in her free time. When she isn’t helping new moms get back in shape, you can find her in the kitchen, working on new recipes.
