You know you should be doing more to ensure your family gets the nutrition they need. After all, good nutrition is the foundation of good health. But somehow, life always seems to get in the way. If you’re struggling to ensure your family is eating healthy, you’re not alone.
Here are five common barriers to good nutrition and how to overcome them.
Lack of Time
It seems like everyone is busy nowadays. You might be working long hours, shuttling kids to and from activities, or simply trying to keep up with the day-to-day demands of life. It can be tough to find time to cook healthy meals or pack nutritious snacks for your family on the go.
One way to overcome this barrier is to meal plan and batch cook on the weekends. This will give you a head start on the week and make it easier to throw together healthy meals in a pinch. You can also take advantage of quick and healthy recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.
Another time-saving tip is to involve your kids in meal prep and cooking. Kids are more likely to eat foods they help prepare, and they’ll learn valuable cooking skills.
Lack of Money
Healthy eating can sometimes be more expensive than convenience foods or takeout. If you’re on a tight budget, it can be hard to justify spending extra money on groceries.
One way to save money on healthy food is to buy in bulk and cook in larger batches. This will help you stretch your budget and have leftovers for another meal. You can also plan your meals around sales and seasonal produce.
Another cost-effective tip is to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs. You can start small with a few pots on your balcony or patio.
Choose plants that are easy to grow and that you know your family will eat. This can be a fun and rewarding way to get your family to eat more healthy, homegrown food.
Picky Eaters
Reports show that between 14-50% of preschoolers and seven to 27% of older children are picky eaters. If you have a picky eater in your family, you might feel like you’re constantly struggling to get them to eat anything healthy.
One way to encourage fussy eaters to try new foods is to involve them in the cooking process. Let them help with meal planning, grocery shopping, and preparing food. Doing so will make them more interested in trying new things.
You can also try serving foods in fun and creative ways. For example, cut fruits and vegetables into fun shapes with cookie cutters. Or let your kids help you make homemade pizzas with their favorite toppings.
Another tip is to be a good role model. Your kids will likely do the same if you always reach for unhealthy snacks. Instead, stock your pantry with healthy snacks that everyone in the family can enjoy.
Bad habits
Everyone has bad habits when it comes to food. This could mean skipping breakfast because you are in too much of a hurry or mindlessly snacking in front of the TV at night when you’re not even hungry. But you can break bad habits with a little effort and willpower!
Start by making small changes, such as packing a healthy breakfast to eat on the go or keeping only healthy snacks in the house. This way, you can reduce the temptation that goes with unhealthy foods.
It can also be helpful to keep a food journal to track your family’s eating habits. This will help you identify patterns and problem areas so you can make better choices in the future.
Finally, remember that it’s okay to indulge every once in a while. Balance is the key, and depriving yourself of the foods you love can lead to unhealthy cravings and overeating. So, allow your family a treat now and then, and teach your kids that moderation is key to a healthy diet.
Dental Issues
Cavities, missing teeth, and misaligned jaws are all problems one can blame for poor nutrition. That’s because sugary and acidic foods can damage tooth enamel, while lacking certain vitamins and minerals can lead to dental problems.
You can help protect your family’s teeth by teaching them good oral hygiene habits, keeping up with dental appointments, and considering the dental treatments your family dentist recommends. Remember that since your dental health and nutrition are closely linked, it’s crucial to eat a balanced diet and do what it takes to address dental issues to support better nutrition.
Let’s say one of your family members have crooked teeth, making it hard for them to clean their teeth and enjoy their meals. Your family dentist may recommend braces to help straighten their teeth. This can be a big investment, but it can pay off in the long run by making it easier for your family member to eat healthily and take care of their teeth.
Braces are a common treatment for crooked teeth and can also correct other dental problems, such as an overbite or underbite. Investing in the right orthodontic device can help ensure that your family enjoys better oral health for years to come. Make sure your family dentist is reliable and experienced in this type of dental treatment. You want to ensure they have an excellent track record showing their success in performing this procedure on patients.
Be sure to talk to your family member needing the orthodontic treatment and involve them in the decision-making. This is their teeth, after all, and you need them to cooperate by practicing good oral hygiene and attending their dental appointments.
Good nutrition is essential for a healthy family. By teaching your kids good eating habits and modeling these habits yourself, you can set your family up for success. And by being aware of common problems that can arise from poor nutrition, you can catch and address these issues early on. Don’t forget that dental health is important to good nutrition, so be sure to see your family dentist regularly.
