As we ring in 2012, most of us are bound to have some type of “Eat Healthier” or “Lose Weight” resolution on our list. As moms, we know that it can be difficult to find ways to integrate healthy eating into our families — kids who are picky eaters, husbands who want meat and potatoes every night, friends with dietary or allergy restrictions — these obstacles can make it hard to cook anything, let alone something healthy that everyone will eat.
So we’ve put together some ideas to help guide your eating habits as we enter the new year. Our “Healthy Eating Habits” are realistic (not meant for a nineteen year old) and practical (they keep in mind the fact that you’re feeding a family).
Healthy Habit #1: Snack List
Keep a list of healthy snack options (and breakfast and/or lunch options if you want) right on the refrigerator. That way, if you or the kids are feeling hungry, you’ll have some ideas of what to eat, rather than simply eating whatever you see first. Some healthy snack options might be:
- nuts and dried fruit (drizzle with a little honey for a real treat)
- celery and carrots with humus or almond butter
- low-fat string cheese wrapped in half a whole wheat tortilla and microwaved for a few seconds (dip it in salsa if you like for some extra zing)
- apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon
Healthy Habit #2: Change Your Wording
Instead of thinking “I can’t eat that cookie,” change it to, “I can eat a banana.” Instead of saying “I’m cutting out junk,” say, “I’m eating more fruits and veggies.” As soon as you start to feel like you’re depriving yourself of something, that “something” is exactly what you’re bound to crave! Focus on the healthy things you can do, rather than the unhealthy things you can't.
Healthy Habit #3: Miracle Foods
Whether you're looking for something quick & easy or healthy & budget-friendly, there are a few foods that always seem to do the trick, regardless of whether you’re cooking for two or cooking for twelve. My first “miracle food” is SOUP. Not only is it healthy, but it fits nicely into a budget and is a real crowd-pleaser.
Another “miracle food” is the SMOOTHIE. You can pretty much throw anything into a blender, add a couple of frozen bananas and some almond milk or yogurt, agave nectar or honey, and you’ve got a delicious, healthy snack for the whole family. Try adding a scoop of peanut butter or a handful of berries—of if you’re daring, throw in some spinach or kale to the mix.
Figure out what other miracle foods work for your family, and then simply change or modify them to mix it up. Having healthy, quick standy-bys will reduce the urge to grab the closest (usually unhealthy) thing.
Healthy Habit #4: Make a Plan
I actually plan my dinner meals out for the month. I type them up and save the list as, for example, January 2012. Then, next January, when I’m ready to plan out for 2013, I have a list handy with season-appropriate foods that can give me some ideas.
By planning your meals in advance, whether for the month or just for the week, you are protecting yourself from that “what’s-for-dinner” panic and also avoiding the “let’s-just-order-out” calories.
Why do we torture ourselves like this?!
Healthy Habit #5: Be Kind to Yourself
After babies, it can be very tempting to look in the mirror and beat ourselves up about all the changes. But that attitude is placing your focus in the wrong place. As soon as you are tempted to check out every cellulite bump and fine-lined wrinkle, take the focus off of yourself and list the things for which you are grateful. Or, when you find yourself feeling frumpy, take time to think about the qualities of the women in your life whom you admire. I'm willing to bet that her perfect skin is not what makes your girlfriend so special to you.
Happy New Year! And best of luck in developing your healthy habits - feel free to comment and share some of your own!
Stay tuned...Shannon will be sharing some budget-friendly menu planning tips and recipes for keeping up with your healthy habits.
Shannon is a youth pastor's wife and full-time mommy to two little girls. In addition to writing for ATFM, she works as a part-time children’s ministry director, teaches piano, and writes for her own blog (Key MOMents).
