When you were a kid did you ever waltz into the kitchen and make the mistake of turning up your nose at what Mom was fixing for dinner? If so, what happened? If you are like me, I was told in no uncertain terms that I could eat or do without. Or worse yet, I got plunked down at dinner and told that I would eat it or else. Even though I never found out what “or else” really was, I lived in fear of it and would eat even if I hated a food. Such was the power of my mother when she was cooking.
The Cook Calls the Shots
In most households it is the cook who creates the cooking list, shops for the groceries and cooks the meals. Today it is more important than ever that the person doing the cooking is knowledgeable about nutrition and dietary requirements so the family is provided all they need to grow and remain healthy. Fast foods are convenient and very tempting especially for those who must prepare dinner after a long day at work. However, there is no argument that fast foods are not nearly as healthy as well-rounded meals prepared at home.
A Sit Down Meal
One of the healthiest things you can do for your family is to require them to sit down for home cooked nutritious meals. As the cook and mastermind of the plan to eat healthy in your home, you may have a sales job ahead to convince the family that they will enjoy eating healthy. Do not cave in the pressure; just brace yourself and forge ahead. Prepare healthy meals that look and taste good and they will quickly learn that healthy food does not mean boring or bad tasting. On the contrary, well prepared healthy foods often are characterized by more flavor; especially vegetables that are no longer over-cooked.
If you have young children, serve raw veggies and fruit with meals since most kids enjoy finger foods. Besides, raw fruits and veggies are more nutritious anyway. As a society in general, Americans do not get enough fruit in their diets so why not add fruits to dinner time as well as for breakfast as for snacks.
Consider Fish
When planning the weekly menu, don’t forget to include at least on meal of fish such as salmon, tuna and cod. Fish are a great source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids that are beneficial for your body and your mind. Focus mainly of leaner cuts of meat to lower the chances of cholesterol problems in the future. Eliminate as many fats as possible from the family diet. For instance, instead of cooking with butter use olive oil; instead of making pie using lard, use vegetable oil.
Monitor the beverages your family consumes. Eliminate sodas from the diet completely and limit juices to no more than 2 cups a day due to the sugar content. For adults, 2 cups of coffee or tea is acceptable. Water is preferable to other beverages.
Being the cook is empowering, are you have the ability to ensure the cooking done for your family is nutritious. You have the power to change your family’s life for the better!
