Planning meals for the whole family is a struggle and frustration for many parents, especially if there are concerns about weight. Fitting nutritious meals into a busy schedule requires some preparation, creativity and an open mind. Create a family meal plan that meets everyone's needs and reduces meal time struggles while working with your active lifestyle.
Significance
Creating a family diet plan can save time, keep you on budget and may even help everyone in the family to maintain a healthy weight. Many families lead busy lives and may have a limited amount of time available to plan, shop for and prepare meals, especially on weeknights. A meal plan can help to prevent mealtime challenges, let you avoid the pitfalls of fast food, and get everyone eating more fruits and vegetables, recommends OrganizedHome.com.
Function
Plan your meals to include lean protein, dairy products, whole grains and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Take advantage of store sales to stock up on favorite foods and keep costs down. You can opt to plan for busier nights by preparing foods on the weekend or freezing meals ahead of time, recommends Leslie Kaufman, author of "Mom Puts Family on her Meal Plan," in a report in The New York Times on July 11, 2007. Plan to use your leftovers to reduce waste and speed up meal preparation.
Types
You can gear your menu to any special dietary needs in your family. If weight loss is a priority, a meal plan can keep calories within the goal range for each family member. A study at Britain's Great Ormond Street Hospital showed a significant benefit in weight reduction for obese children on a plan that included the whole family, reports MedicalNewsToday.com. Menu planning can also help you to create a well-balanced diet to meet the needs of vegetarians or those with allergies.
Features
When you plan a menu for the week, look at your schedule. Determine which days allow you additional time to cook and which ones require a quicker meal. On a busy day, consider a meal from the freezer or a simple salad and quick cook protein, such as thinly sliced chicken or steak. Take advantage of a day with more time to roast a chicken, prepare soups or stews, or put additional meals into the freezer for future use.
Warning
While healthier meals are a good idea for everyone, if weight loss or weight control is a key concern, be sure to speak to your children's physician before you create a diet plan. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you to determine how many calories you children need and how many servings of fruits, vegetables, grains and protein your children require. Therapy and dietary counseling are an essential part of effective weight control, reports Azmini Govindji of the British Dietetic Association.
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