Healthy Eating on the Go

Healthy Eating On the Go!

We understand  how challenging it might be for busy working parents to prepare healthful, nutritious meals for the family each week. Preparing healthful, nutritious meals take time, effort, good planning and organization. 

The morning rush with varying work and school schedules and long daily commutes have taken the bite out of regular family meal times. This has resulted in quick, on-the-road eating and increased demand for eating away from home. Studies show that meals purchased away from home cost 2-4 times more than those prepared at home.

To bring greater balance, here are a few helpful hints to get you started:

• Establish good long-term eating habits early, and model these behaviours for your children to carry through in to adulthood. Studies show that obese children are the victims of the eating habits of the adults in the family. Let your children see you practicing good eating habits and enjoying healthy foods.
• Ensure that meals have plenty of healthy options - fruits, vegetables, drinks and snacks that will encourage your children to opt for healthier food choices when faced with choices outside the home.

Involve each family member (especially children) in the process:
Let your children be a part of the process. Take them grocery shopping, explain your healthy food choices.

• Be patient with them and keep trying different recipes to find those they like.
• Encourage children to "own their meals" and their eating habits will improve. 
• Let them help in food preparation. Give them tasks appropriate for their ages and abilities. Children usually eat what they make! They will be more inclined to eat what is prepared if they have helped to prepare it themselves. 

Be enthusiastic! excitement can be contagious. It may be overwhelming initially to change eating habits and the way you prepare your meals:

• Keep it simple. 
• Start small, make changes gradually. 
• Be persistent, work at it until it becomes almost second nature.

Begin with the end in mind: plan to enjoy your journey to greater health and well-being. Chances are, you will!