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In recent years, the recommendation for weight loss has moved away from dieting (that is, temporarily giving up high-fat, high-sugar foods in order to achieve weight loss) toward redesigning one's entire lifestyle.
To people who are very entrenched in their eating habits, conventional dieting can seem like the lesser of two evils when compared with changing everything about the way they — and their families — have been eating (and probably not exercising). However, reworking an unhealthy lifestyle is the only thing that works for permanent weight loss and improved health! We know that it isn't easy for you to make a blanket statement to the family along the lines of, "Well, we can never, ever, ever have fried foods again. Sorry." For one thing, you're likely to be met with rebellion; for another, it's not exactly a true statement. A more accurate statement is, "We're going to start eating grilled, baked, and broiled foods on a regular basis."
Your kids probably won't like healthy foods, at least not in the beginning. What do you do when your child refuses to eat your low-fat dinner, saying that he hates the taste? Eat the food on your own plate, and put his plate in the refrigerator for later. If the only foods in your house are healthy options, you don't have to worry about him sneaking a cookie or a piece of candy. Consistency is the name of the game when you're introducing the family to new tastes and textures. Be firm, don't give in, and don't make separate meals.
New foods may taste strange to your kids (and to you) at first. Introduce foods that they'll find most palatable first — no sense giving them ammunition to work with by serving up a healthy dish containing a food no one has ever liked, fried or not. For example, if your family has always refused to eat fish of any sort, don't serve up tuna steaks during your first week of healthy eating. You want to keep their spirits high and get their palates to accept nongreasy, nonsugary foods first; then you can branch out with meals.
Here area some other tips for getting those taste buds in gear:
- Have a positive outlook: You're the leader of the pack, but that doesn't mean that you won't have your own moments of weakness. Do your best to keep in mind that all your efforts will pay off for every member of the family — even if they don't like what you're serving for dinner tonight.
- Keep a journal: Note the new foods you try and your family's reactions. When you've found several meals that are acceptable to everyone, making your weekly menu will be easy. You'll also have an easier time experimenting with new recipes using staple items, like chicken or pasta.
- Watch the snacks: Your kids certainly need an afternoon snack, but don't let them load up too much — even on healthy items like fruit. You want them to be hungry enough to at least want to eat their dinner. (On the flip side, if they fill up on snacks, they won't have much motivation to try out your new recipe.)
Your family will get used to the taste of healthy foods as long as you're willing to stick with your resolve to buy and serve only healthy foods. Cooking low-fat, healthy foods is all about changing your family's palate (the foods that they crave and accept at mealtimes). After they get used to low-fat, low-sugar meals, you may find that fried and sugary foods actually give your family members stomachaches!
 | Don't forget to compliment your child for being a trooper in this whole process. It's not easy for a kid to fall into step in a healthy lifestyle, so when you see that he's doing well and keeping up a positive attitude, tell him how proud you are — regardless of whether he's lost any weight. Having the right attitude is the toughest part of accepting a new lifestyle; if he has a good outlook, the rest is more likely to fall into place. |
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