We’ve all heard the saying “you are what you eat.” While it was originally coined to encourage people to lose weight, there is some truth in those words when it comes to healthy eating. The food we eat directly fuels our bodies. It provides energy, as well as essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that we need to be healthy.

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It is my Universe, after all.

As a parent, keeping my family fed is one of my most important responsibilities, and it can become a job in its own right. It can seem like a lot to also try to make sure your children eat healthily, especially as they are picky eaters. But I am learning there are ways to lessen the workload and cook healthy food that the family will enjoy.

Meal Prep

Every busy family has probably heard of meal prep. Just in case you haven’t, meal prep is when you dedicate a day to cooking food in bulk and preparing meals ahead. This way, all you have to do is pull out the meal and enjoy it.

Unfortunately, not everyone can get the most out of meal prep. Some people don’t like the idea of eating the same meal over and over again, and after a few days, the food simply won’t taste as good. 

However, there are some ways that you can meal prep healthy, delicious meals.

Rather than trying to prepare the whole meal, prepare different components in slightly different ways, so you get some variety. Another way to introduce variety is to use your freezer and save some of the prepped meals or ingredients for a few weeks later, mixing up what you eat through the week.

Food and Health

When most people think of food and good health, they tend to focus on the weight side of thing. But this can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food. Instead, think about the foods that can help your health.

For example, I suffer with chronic pain, so I am looking at certain foods can provide relief. This is because they reduce inflammation, which is a common cause of pain. They include:

• Olive oil

• Whole grains

• Beans, seeds, and legumes

• Fresh fruit

• Oily fish

• Ginger

• Turmeric

• Green vegetables

Do some research into what foods can help the needs of your family. You might be surprised at how much better you feel, simply by altering your diet.

Snacks and Treats

One of the hardest things to manage when it comes to eating healthily is snacks and treats. Typically, these are loaded with sugar, salt, and fat.

Rather than cutting them out entirely, keep some snacks around as treats but make sure that your children (or the adults in the house) don’t constantly snack rather than eating proper meals. Strawberry chex mix can make a great treat that scratches that sweet, crunchy itch you may have.

We introduce healthy options such as fruit or homemade snacks that can be eaten instead. These will fill a peckish stomach, while providing some goodness.

I am trying to do better for myself and family. I hope you find these tips help you and yours, too.