5 Amazing Ways On How To Make Healthy Family Meals & Keep Kids Happy

When it comes to family health and how to lead a healthier lifestyle… one of the biggest challenges is pleasing everyone’s tastebuds, especially kids. Oftentimes they’ll turn their nose up or throw a tantrum if they have to eat vegetables or fruit. And, instead they want ice-cream, lollies or anything unhealthy!

Plus, according to the World Health Organization, in March 2022… they revealed that more than 1 billion people globally are obese. This equates to around 650 million obese adults, 340 million adolescents… as well as 39 million children. 

When you think about these numbers, they’re shocking and staggering. Yet, the sad thing is, these numbers are increasing. And, this health condition can lead to ailments such as stroke, type 2 diabetes… as well as cancer, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases.

That’s why it’s critical to keep your family healthy… and get the children consuming healthier meals from a young age. Then they can take those good habits with them… to lead a longer and more vibrant lifestyle.

So, in this article we’ll share with you 5 different ways on how to make healthy family meals… while keeping the kids happy at the same time. Because as you know, it can be a challenge!

1) Exciting Green Veggies

OK, so you’re thinking… there’s nothing really exciting about trying to make kids eat their green vegetables. Yet, there are ways to get them motivated.

Plus, you need to consider that green veggies are packed full of goodness… that adults and children alike need. And, this includes iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, folate… plus essential vitamins A, C, E and K, to name a few. 

Green vegetables, especially the leafy varieties… are some of the most nutrient dense foods available. Plus, the bonus is, they’re low in calories. 

So, here’s one way to make healthy family meals… while getting the children to eat their green veggies. Smoothies are a great way to get a lot of nutrients in, within one meal or snack. Include the kids by getting them to help make the smoothie with you.

Get them to add the spinach to the smoothie, as well as other ingredients.

And, get them to think of a name for the smoothie… such as the Green Monster Smoothie or the Green Gorilla Smoothie. We know, there’s no such thing as green gorillas, but who cares. 

Kids are imaginative. It’s all about making it fun… so the kids will link green veggies with happy times, and eat them. 

2) Funtastic Fruits

We know many children who hate to eat fruit. Yet, these days many kids don't have enough fruits in their diet. In fact, even adults don’t have enough fruit either. So, many families lack a lot of the essential vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants.

Plus, fruits generally have a high fibre content… which can help fight disease and remove toxins, for example. So, this is another reason why you need to keep your family healthy… by having more fruits in your daily diet.

What’s more, many fruits have lots of water in them… to help keep hydration levels up. Plus, eating fruits and vegetables can help you to feel full and satisfied. So, it’s a great way to help you and your kids to not over eat.

Now, to make healthy family meals that everyone will enjoy… some ideas include making fruit skewers. Not only will they look colourful and provide lots of nutrients at the same time… the kids can have fun putting the skewers together.

Plus, the great part is, there are so many different fruits that you can choose from. So, get the fruits you and your family love, to ensure your family health comes first.

And, to help make things even easier, check out this local health food guide… so you can see options for healthy eating places near home, or when you travel.

3) A Different Take on Burgers and Meatballs

Mention the word McDonalds to many kids, and they start to go crazy. Yes, while the kids will love their greasy McDonalds Happy Meals with the toys… it sure isn’t the healthiest. 

So, when the kids want a burger or even meatballs, for example… choose a healthier option by making them at home. And, it doesn’t need to be hard. But first, there’s something you should know about eating meat.

There are studies that show that eating meat… increases your chances of contracting certain diseases.

For example, a study done by the Harvard School of Public Health… links red meat with a higher risk of total, cardiovascular and cancer mortality. The study was made up of over 120,000 men and women... over a period of nearly 30 years. 

All these women and men didn’t have cardiovascular disease or cancer. Yet, it was found that by having regular consumption of red meat, especially processed meat… contributes substantially to premature death.

So, if your family usually eats a lot of meat… substitute a day or two per week having vegetarian meals. For example, have meatless Mondays. Make vegetarian burgers or meatballs that are packed full of flavor and nutrition. Plus, you can make a big batch and freeze them for later, for convenience.

Do yourself and your kids a favour… by incorporating meatless healthy family meals for better health. For tasty vegetarian meals and even meal plans, head on over HERE.

4) Carb Kitchen

There is a lot of contention out there about if carbohydrates are bad or good for you. And, we understand how this can be confusing for you… especially when it comes to meal times. 

The thing is, yes, everyone needs carbohydrates in their diet… BUT it must be the good carbs. 

Culprits in the bad carbohydrates category include processed, and refined grain foods… such as bread, pastries, rice, pasta, and cereal. Plus, other foods which have white flour have a high glycemic index, and low amounts of fibre… which lack essential vitamins and minerals.

Now, as you’re reading this… many of you may be thinking that those foods are a big part of your family’s daily diet. And, it wouldn’t surprise us. We’re not saying that you need to cut those types of carbs out altogether… but you can make a healthier choice.

So, there is a way to make healthy family meals… by including more whole foods in your diet. The difference with whole foods is that they are complete. And, what this means is that they aren’t processed or refined. 

Plus, whole foods don’t have added ingredients like… certain fats, sugar, food dyes, artificial ingredients, and fillers, for example. Yes, it would amaze you at how much crap is put into the foods you eat. So, those types of foods do not help to keep your family healthy.

Include more whole foods in your diet, such as… veggies, fruits, nuts, wholegrains, beans, and eggs. And yes, even we love bread. Yet, choose the healthier version, which we believe have lots of flavor… which is also better for you and your kids. 

So, opt for the wholegrain or rye breads… or even better, bake your own bread. Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked bread?!

And, one of the easiest and best family healthy meals that kids will love too… are the eggs with soldiers.

Plus, you can make baked sweet potato fries, which are quick and easy to make. And, you can make your own “sour cream” using flavorsome Greek yogurt. Or, you could make your own homemade tomato sauce.

Just remember though, the body processes carbs, turning it into glucose for energy. Yet, if you and your kids have too many carbs and don’t burn them off… then all that extra glucose ends up in the fat stores of you, and/or your child.

So, have more of the good carbs in your diet… then, see how your family health improves, and vitality returns.

5) Add Fat to Your Meals

Yes, you read that correctly. Everyone needs to have fat in their meals, including  children… BUT it needs to be the good fats. By having good fats in your daily diet… it’s been shown to help with weight management or weight loss. Plus, it’s been shown to help protect your heart, prevent fatigue, and… improve your overall health and wellbeing. 

Yet, when having bad fats, this has been shown to aid weight gain. As well as increase the risk of contracting diseases such as obesity… stroke, heart disease, and type II diabetes. 

So, when it comes to making healthy family meals… include foods that have the good fats in them. This includes foods with polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. On the other hand, you should avoid saturated fats and trans fats. 

Types of foods which have good fats include avocados, nuts… as well as sunflower seeds, extra virgin olive oil, and tofu. 

Now, we’d say that most kids as well as adults love chocolate or sweets. And, that’s why we made our own, healthy and delicious chocolate mousse. Plus, one of the key ingredients includes a good fat ingredient… avocado!

To get the recipe, and for more ideas, CLICK HERE.

So, those were 5 different ways on how to make healthy family meals… while keeping the kids happy at the same time. In society today, many families are becoming unhealthy. And, it is challenging when there is so much conflicting information out there.

That’s why, we trust that this article has been helpful… in helping to keep your family healthy. Remember, one step at a time can make a big difference. So, for example, if your family are big meat eaters… try one meal, once a week being vegetarian.

Gradually make a positive change to your lifestyle and your kids… by incorporating some of these tips for healthy family meals. ENJOY the new, healthy, delicious meals and snacks your family will have! What’s more, take pleasure in having a more vibrant, and healthier longer life with your loved ones.

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