My In-Between Meals

Do you have problems getting your family it eat healthier meals?  I did.  When I first started my journey, I would make separate meals and snacks for them and myself in order to stay on track.  It worked for us for awhile, but it didn't take long before my husband wanted to "lose a little weight" and eat a bit better.  So that left my 5 year old who loves mac n cheese and pizza.  Haha!

So I started what I call "in between meals."  These are meals that consist of something everyone can eat.  My main coarse is healthy...something I want to eat and something that everyone should not have a problem eating.  I find recipes and make healthy changes, which most of the time no one even noticed.  

I include at least one healthy side...again something that I will eat and something my husband and son can choose to eat.  I usually make Mason eat a little bit of it, but not necessarily a full serving if he doesn't like it.  This is usually broccoli made in some sort of way or asparagus, which are both winners at our house. 

I also include a "regular" side, something that Mason really likes and that my husband can choose to eat if he isn't feeling the healthiness that day.  This is probably something I will not choose to eat, or I may use as a cheat for myself.  Mac n cheese, cheese dip, cheesy bread, etc.  

See what I'm doing here...I'm giving everyone a choice.  When they feel like they have a bit of control in choosing what they eat for dinner, things go fairly smoothly!

This is how I can keep few extra dollars in my wallet by not making two separate meals and slowly incorporating healthy meals to my family.  We still have our hamburger helper and frozen pizza nights which are usually nights I work, but when I am home I follow my "in between meals" strategy!  

Things that my husband has noticed: 

He feels full quicker since having healthier main courses.  Of course!!  Healthier foods will fill you up and keep you fuller longer.  

He has really liked the taste of the meals, even with ingredients he wouldn't have chosen on his own.  The mushroom rice pilaf I made last night was a hit, and he isn't a huge mushroom fan. 

Hope this helps some of you trying to figure out how to keep your nutrition and manage family meals.  It has taken me 8 months to get it down, but it is worth it to know I can keep my nutrition standards up while feeding my family healthy meals and keeping them happy.