Six Tips for Making Healthy Meals the Whole Family Can Enjoy
In the typical American family, either both parents work, or in many families separated by
divorce, single parents are raising the kids. They come home from work and haven’t seen the
kids since early in the morning, and no one has the energy to cook. But eating healthy doesn’t
have to be difficult and it will help you get through the days so you can concentrate on the things
that matter.
It’s tempting to hit the drive-thru several times per week, but as part of an overall effort to make
smarter choices regarding your overall well being, eating healthy is important and good eating
habits can be developed without too much effort. Maryam's Joyful Life shares six tips to help
you prepare nutritious meals that everyone will enjoy.
1. Healthy Eating Starts in the Kitchen
The easiest way to ensure that your family eats healthily is by preparing meals yourself. When
you sit down at a restaurant, all you know for sure is that it tastes good. It’s best to eat at home.
One way to overcome some of the drudgery of cooking day after day is to not skimp on
cookware. When you use the best cookware you feel special. And you’ll feel even more special
after dinner because it will be easier to clean.
As you become more experienced preparing meals at home, you may want to consider making
upgrades to your kitchen. A modernized kitchen can be especially attractive to buyers if you
plan on selling your home.
2. Introduce Salads Into Your Meals
A great way to reduce the number of calories your family eats, while adding more nutritional
value and keeping the meal filling, is to include a salad with lunch and dinner. By using healthy
greens, mixed with other veggies, fruits, or nuts, you feel less hungry when you begin the main
course. You can grow your own herbs and lettuces all year round with an indoor garden.
During the warmer months, an outdoor garden can be a constant source of cheap organic
greens. If you don’t want to share with wildlife, consider fencing in your garden for less than
what building raised beds would cost. Average labor costs are $30–$50 per hour according to
Inch Calculator, while wooden fencing is $16 per foot and chain link is $13 per foot. Your plants
will thank you.
3. Skip Out On Red Meats
Not all proteins are equal and some foods are known to put your health at a higher risk than
others. Recent studies cited on Prevention.com have shown that regularly eating red meats can
lead to a higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. If you can’t quit red meat
altogether, it’s okay in moderation. Otherwise, try to prepare your meals with chicken or fish, or
with vegetable proteins like peanuts or tofu.
Having an outdoor grill or range is a great option for preparing your meats of choice. You can
even add a range hood, a table, and some seating to make a great spot outside for sharing
meals and entertaining. Things just taste better straight off the grill.
4. Replace Carbs with Veggies
Not all carbohydrates are bad, but some are definitely better for you than others. When you
make pasta or a rice-based dish, you are adding lots of calories. You can give your meals a
healthier base by switching to veggies instead. Vegetables such as squash or zucchini can
serve as a substitute for a wide range of foods, giving meals more nutritional value while also
cutting back on carbohydrates.
5. Make Fruits Your New Treat
After dinner, your family will be pining for something cold and sweet to eat as a treat. Of course,
you can’t have sweet treats without consuming foods laden with calories and sugar, right? Well,
not all desserts come with a high-calorie count. The secret is to stick to fruit.
Smoothies are easy to make and can be made from just a handful of your favorite fruits. Add a
dollop of vanilla yogurt to chopped strawberries and you have an incredible dessert on your
hands. Even eating fruit on its own can make a delicious treat the whole family can enjoy.
6. Drink Plenty of Water
It’s vital to stay properly hydrated to effectively deal with the summer heat, but consuming a lot
of caffeine can make that more difficult for your body. Be mindful of the amount of caffeine you
consume each day. It can show up in surprising sources, such as Sunkist orange soda. If you
notice that you’re becoming dehydrated, try replacing some caffeinated beverages with water.
You don’t have to be a professional chef to prepare incredible meals. You don’t need to be a
health guru to provide your family with food that has high nutritional value. With these tips in
mind, it’s time to get in the kitchen and start cooking.
Check out Marlene at hiring-help.com
Thank you for your time today!
Sincerly,
Maryam
To read more about lifestyle, family, food, and travel, visit Maryam’s Joyful Life today!
Picture is from pexels
