1. Limit Red Meat
One of the easiest ways to introduce healthy eating to the family without much notice is by decreasing the red meat intake. Red meat is one of the fattiest, unhealthy items families commonly eat everyday. Opt for leaner meats instead such as turkey, chicken and fish. Try to go vegetarian one or two nights a week for dinner. If the family kicks and screams over healthier choices, be tricky about it. Have tacos with chicken instead of ground beef. Use ground turkey in chili or hamburger pasta meals instead of hamburger.
2. Supply Good Family Snacks
Put the family on a diet by having only healthy snacks around. Healthy snacks do not only consist of carrot and celery sticks. Have dried fruit and nuts to munch on. Have unbuttered popcorn or apple slices with low-fat caramel to dip in. Choose pretzels instead of chips. Have raisins, sugar free cereal or fruit smoothies made with fresh fruit and low fat milk. When healthy snacks are easy to eat, your family will most likely take advantage of them.
3. Serve Fruity Desserts
Substitute fruity desserts for high fat and sugary ones in your family's diet plans. Instead of ice cream, have fruit sherbet or low fat frozen yogurt. Make low fat milkshakes with fresh fruit and low fat yogurt. Have angel food cake and fresh strawberries instead of cake. Bake apple slices with cinnamon and brown sugar instead of pie.
4. Disguise Healthy Food
Get creative in ways to put the family on a diet in order to succeed. Disguise healthy foods in the form of old favorites. Opt for thin crust pizza with lots of veggies and less cheese made at home instead of ordered in. Have super nachos with plenty of vegetables piled on. Try charbroil-flavored veggie burgers with cheese instead of a bacon cheeseburger.
5. Act as Portion Police
Many failed diets are due to lack of portion control. When a meal is for the family, don't set the pot or pan on the table inviting the family to eat as much as they'd like. Portion out the food onto a plate for each family member and discard the rest. Don't make enough for second or third helpings. In most cases, family members find they are full after one serving and often only get seconds if it is right in front of them.
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