Setting Nutritious Goals
Setting nutritious goals as a family is a fantastic way to promote overall health and well-being. The Children’s Nutritionist says by working together and fostering a positive environment, you can set and achieve nutritious goals that contribute to the health and happiness of your family.
- Family Discussion:
- Initiate an open and positive conversation about health and nutrition.
- Discuss the importance of nutritious eating for energy, growth, and overall well-being.
- Allow each family member to share their thoughts, preferences, and goals related to nutrition.
- Identify Common Goals:
- Identify shared health goals that resonate with everyone in the family.
- Focus on achievable and realistic goals that align with your family’s lifestyle and preferences.
- Examples could include increasing vegetable intake, reducing added sugars, or cooking more meals at home.
- Educate and Plan:
- Learn together about nutrition, healthy food choices, and balanced meals.
- Collaboratively plan weekly meals, considering everyone’s preferences.
- Explore new recipes that incorporate a variety of nutrient-dense foods.
- Grocery Shopping as a Family:
- Make grocery shopping a family activity.
- Create a shopping list together based on your planned meals and nutritious snack options.
- Teach kids to read nutrition labels and make informed choices.
- Meal Prep Together:
- Involve every family member in meal preparation.
- Allocate age-appropriate tasks to children, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to their food.
- Batch cooking or preparing components in advance can save time during busy days.
- Introduce Healthy Habits:
- Encourage regular water intake throughout the day.
- Make a habit of eating together as a family, which promotes positive eating behaviors.
- Discourage eating in front of screens and encourage mindful eating.
- Celebrate Achievements:
- Celebrate milestones and achievements, no matter how small.
- Reinforce positive behavior by acknowledging and praising efforts toward achieving nutritional goals.
- Regular Check-Ins:
- Schedule regular family meetings to check progress.
- Discuss what’s working well and where adjustments can be made.
- Use these check-ins to reaffirm your commitment to healthy living.
- Be Flexible and Adaptive:
- Recognize that life is dynamic, and flexibility is key.
- Be open to adapting goals based on changing circumstances or preferences.
- Lead by Example:
- Demonstrate healthy habits as a parent or guardian.
- Children often emulate the behaviors they observe, so modeling good nutrition is crucial.
These recipes offer a balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them nutritious and appealing to the whole family. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meals! Check out more with Delish!
1. Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables: Our Recipe/ The Mediterranean Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 1 bunch of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken breasts in the center of a large baking sheet.
- Surround the chicken with halved potatoes, broccoli, bell pepper, and zucchini.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
2. Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers: Our Recipe/ Taste of Home’s Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 cup quinoa, cooked
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, half of the shredded cheese, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each pepper half with the quinoa mixture.
- Top each pepper with the remaining shredded cheese.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Ingredients:
- 1-pound white fish fillets (tilapia, cod, or your choice)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 small whole wheat tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 cup diced mango
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Greek yogurt or sour cream for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the fish fillets with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bake the fish for 12-15 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork.
- In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, diced mango, red onion, and cilantro to make the salsa.
- Warm the tortillas in the oven or in a skillet.
- Assemble the tacos by placing a portion of the baked fish on each tortilla, topping with the mango salsa, and adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
As you embark on this journey toward healthier eating habits, remember that small changes can lead to big results. Whether it’s involving your kids in meal planning, trying new and wholesome recipes, or making mindful choices during grocery shopping, every step contributes to the overall well-being of your family.
Published on January 17, 2024
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