| The biggest obstacle families have to face is | | | | member gets the recommended daily allowance |
| getting used to actually doing this. Many family | | | | suggested by nutrition experts. |
| members have after school or evening events | | | | Make sure you also take into consideration any |
| that make cooking a healthy meal seem a waste | | | | special needs of your family. If you have a |
| of time. It's not. It's the better route to go than | | | | diabetic, be aware of what they are allowed to |
| giving in to the convenience of disposable food. | | | | have. It is a misconception that diabetics must |
| Dinner time can always be adjusted accordingly to | | | | stay away from all sugar. In actuality, some sugar |
| account for the various events that keep you | | | | is still needed to maintain the body. Once again, |
| running around. | | | | focus on the portion sizes. A diabetic or someone |
| So, how, as the family cook, do you get started | | | | on a low cholesterol diet, counting carbohydrates |
| getting into the habit of cooking wisely for your | | | | or with other dietary needs, can still enjoy the |
| family? | | | | same meal that everyone else is eating. |
| The first thing would be to sit down with your | | | | If at all possible, shop once a week. Bring your |
| family, if possible, and discuss what kind of meals | | | | meal plan with you and buy only what you feel |
| they would enjoy. Find out from your spouse and | | | | you need. Do not impulse buy as that will make it |
| your children what they like, what they don't like, | | | | more difficult to encourage healthy eating in your |
| what they would like to try, and some of the | | | | already hectic world. Buy healthy snacks, such as |
| favorite foods they may have eaten at a friend's | | | | fruit and vegetables and plain popcorn. Purchase |
| house. Include all types of food in the discussion, | | | | beverages that are healthy as well or make your |
| from soup to salad to main course and desert. | | | | own at home. Encourage your family to drink |
| Once you have a list to start with, ask your | | | | plenty of water. |
| family to help you plan the meals for the week. | | | | By eating at least one healthy meal with your |
| Suggest healthy alternatives to unhealthy ones, | | | | family, you can assure yourself that some of |
| such as sugar free pudding for desert instead of | | | | their nutrition requirements are being met. You |
| chocolate cake. Make sure you serve a variety of | | | | also get the chance to sit down and engage in |
| meats, grains and vegetables so that your family | | | | some family time and slow down the rat race, |
| members will not get bored of the same things. | | | | even if only for an hour. |
| Pay attention to portion sizes so that each family | | | | |