Diet/Healthy meal ideas that will trick my husband and 2 year old in eating it!

Megan - posted on 04/04/2011 ( 8 moms have responded )

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I am trying to lose about 20 pounds, But am finding it really hard when my husband and 2 year old son eat junk.
My husband will bring home bags and bags of chips and eat things like kraft dinner and icecream.
His favourt meals are chicken alfrado, pasta, steack and potatoes, tacos. Pretty much just nothing healthy so i really need healthy recipies!

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8 Comments

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Constance - posted on 05/13/2011

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Look for a couple of cookbooks they are called the Sneaky Chef. There is even one that targets stubborn husbands and dads. If you can't get him to try something new then add something that he can't taste. i would do this with my dad it worked like a charm, but I was lucky he never came in the kitchen to spy.

Jas - posted on 04/28/2011

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remember that you have to burn off more calories through exercise than you eat, the average woman should be eating at least 1500 - 2000 calories a day, just eat healthy and keep sweating those pounds off :) x

OhJessie - posted on 04/26/2011

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Well the steak isn't a bad idea (even if you like butter on it.) The rest are starches which convert so easily to sugar and thus excess insulin, that it might be good to try and avoid them (unless that's really what you're hungry for.) Yes, you can still lose weight eating animal proteins and fats as well as vegetables (sauces with fats are ok for those.) Have a look at "Fat Head" the documentary. It's on Netflix. And it blows Morgan Spurlock out of the water. Maybe try to steer them towards more animal products and some low-carb veggies when possible. They likely won't mind too much, and it won't hurt you either.

Michelle - posted on 04/26/2011

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have you tried making those meals that you love healthier? If you use cream swap it with low fat evaporated milk, things can be healthier just cook it yourself and be aware of the ingredients your using. eat less pasta. swap the things you dont want to eat with salads. instead of having chips get your self some unsalted and unbuttered popcorn (not much flavour or nutritional value but it fills you up. pumpkin seeds are good to snack on. make stir fry's just make the sauces you love, if you eat out eat the healthier meals. like salads or grilled/seared meats and foods.



Spaghetti. for the sauce I just use 1 medium onion finely chopped 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped or grated, cook till transparent 500g minced beef add to onion and garlic and cook till brown, add a teaspoon or two of mixed or italian herbs, a tin of crushed tomatoes and a tablespoon or two of tomato paste to thicken. If you want to add more flavour you can chuck in some zucchini or carrot or mushroom, I use red win vinigar. serve with some cooked pasta of your choice. top with grated mozerella or Parmesan cheese

Emily - posted on 04/13/2011

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when making tacos use whole grain tortillas or none at all for urself.. use more lettuce and less cheese.. its about ur portions. I love Bocca meat.. My brother is a picky eater but him and my son dont know the difference. Its hard not to eat junk food when its in the house.. I feel the same way and sometimes my body fiends for the salt.

Callinda - posted on 04/08/2011

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Try subsituting some of these recipes for your husbands favourites:

Low Fat Alfredo Sauce:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4701070_low-fat-...

Healthier pasta dishes:
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes_menus/...

Tacos:
http://www.seabrite.com/jeffs_great_amer...
Make sure you have lots of salad ingredients on hand to stuff your taco and it actually isnt that bad for you!

Steak and potatoes - keep the portion smaller and add steamed vegies on the side to add to the nutrition. This can actually be quite a healthy meal too. If you are doing mashed potatoes used skim milk and not much butter.

Linda - posted on 04/05/2011

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Hi Megan,
I'm a health and wellness coach and I coach people through a Full Body Nutritional Cleanse for weight loss....one thing that is super important is a support team!!! You will get 80% better results if you have support. You need to tell your hubby how important this is to you and ask for his support! (maybe ask if he can eat his chips, ice cream, etc somewhere else, just not in the house. lol) I know I have made mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes and my family really likes it. Switch to whole wheat pasta (or half reg and half whole wheat until the family gets used to it) and watch your own portion size. I have a recipe for a healthier version of chicken alfrado but I can't find it. (i'll keep looking) Try to serve several different kinds of veggies at dinner, along with a portion of lean protein, that way you fill up on complex carbs and not junk. (just don't smother the veggies in sauces or butter. LOL) Cut out soda, and drink lots of water! I have a lot of tips for weight loss, if you'd like I can send them to you in a message. (it is too long to post here) Just let me know. Have a great day!
Linda

Dara - posted on 04/04/2011

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Try using extra lean meat in your recipes, or if you make things with ground beef use ground chicken or turkey. Way less calories than beef. Also, make sure you cut fat off and drain it off while cooking. Use whole grain alternatives for pasta, and sub in a tomato based sauce for alfredos. Also, make a rule that junk isn't allowed in the house! I don't let my husband or kids bring chips and candy into the house at all, because i know I will eat it all! Instead of KD, use whole grain macaroni and mix it with low fat cheese, skim milk and a small amount of butter or margarine. It is actually yummier than KD in my opinion. Instead of ice cream, try frozen yogurt too. My kids like it.

A trick I have been using for ages now is to eat my meals from smaller plates. I use a lunch plate instead of a dinner plate. I always fill the plate, but it is an appropriate portion rather than one that is way too much. Also, half your plate should be veggies. If you always add butter or sauce, try using a squeeze of lemon over top, or some dill to add a little flavor.

Lastly, exercise, exercise, exercise. I have lost over 50 pounds since having my second child, and I did it by choosing better snacks, eating smaller portions, and exercising. If it is hard to see everyone else snacking around you, make sure you communicate to them how important it is to you for them to help you out. There are some great recipes on Healthy Eating Magazine's website if you need ideas! Good luck!