Eating clean is tough when you are the only one sticking with this particular lifestyle. My kids are grown and out of the house, but one of the biggest struggles I hear my clients tell me is they are having to make double meals. One for them and then one for the family. Why not get the whole family on board and become a clean food house? It will be much easier to stick to healthy, unprocessed foods when there is no junk food in the house to tempt you. But how do you go about getting the whole family on board? Making that initial transition can be a little tricky, but here are a few tips to help you make that shift and get the family on board.
Have a Family Meeting
Start by calling a family meeting and laying the cards on the table. Explain clean eating and share why eating clean, healthy, unprocessed food is so important. Make sure to fully explain that this is a change the entire family is going to make. Tell them making this change is something that is near and dear to your heart, and you need their support. Not sure where to start? Here’s a great article to help you get started.
Make It A Gradual Change
If you’re getting a lot of resistance from your family, consider making small changes initially. For example, grill up some chicken and serve with a big salad. Then fix a side of Mac and Cheese for the kids. Keep reading for a healthier version of Mac and Cheese (your family will never know the difference.
Or replace half the ground beef in the spaghetti sauce with turkey and use some whole wheat, gluten-free or zucchini noodles. Skip the garlic toast if you can, but for those that want it, add some sliced cucumbers and tomatoes as a healthy side.
Encourage your kids to take at least a bite of each new healthy dish. If they don’t like it, they don’t have to eat it.
Find New Family Favorites
As you try new recipes, give everyone a chance to vote on what they like and didn’t like. It won’t take you long to compile a list of new family favorites. Feature those regularly on the menu and make sure you have plenty of healthy snacks everyone likes around.
Encourage the kids to eat at least one fruit or vegetable with each meal or snack. Even small amounts of healthy food will add up and replace some of the processed junk. Try these Breakfast Favorites sure to please the kiddos.
Use The 80/20 Rule
It’s important to realize that every step towards clean food is a step in the right direction. Not all of your family meals have to be 100% clean. Aim for 80% healthy foods, and 20% of foods that aren’t quite as good for you. And it’s okay if the kids indulge in some junk food here and there. Don’t freak out if they have some cake or pizza at a birthday party (unless there is a serious sensitivity involved – that’s another story). The goal is to make an overall improvement in your family’s life.
Recipe (from Clean Food Crush)
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Makes 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 large Cauliflower head, cut into small florets
- 2 Tbsps clarified butter, or Ghee, grass feed if possible, melted
- sea salt and pepper, to your taste
- 1 cup natural cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup almond milk, or any milk of choice
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1 Tbsp potato flour, arrowroot, cornflour, or cornstarch
- 4 slices of cooked nitrate-free bacon, crumbled
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 370 degrees f. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss together the cauliflower florets with half of the melted butter. Season with a bit of sea salt and black pepper.
- Arrange the cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for about 10-15 minutes, until crisp-tender.
- In a small saucepan, over low heat, add the cheddar cheese, milk, and remaining butter, stirring constantly.
- In a small bowl, add the flour and 2 Tbsp of water and mix until smooth.
- Add this mixture to the cheese sauce and whisk well to combine, then simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken. Be careful not to burn the cheese. Taste and season with sea salt if needed.
- Toss cauliflower with cheese sauce right before serving, then sprinkle with crispy bacon crumbles.
Clean eating is a lifestyle, so this will be a transition – not a race. You and your family are worth it. Need help setting up a plan for the family? Schedule a complimentary call to get a start in the right direction.
To Your Health,
Patti
