Food resolutions for the whole family

Dec 27, 2012 3:30 PM by Sarah Brooks

Posted in Food & Recipes / Family Recipes

We typically set New Year's resolutions as a way to make ourselves and our year a little better. Whether we want to lose weight, start exercising, get out of debt or be more giving, we set these goals with good intentions in mind. This year, instead of setting goals for just you, set some that the whole family can enjoy. Setting New Year's resolutions for the family holds everyone accountable, making you more likely to stick to them.

Did you know? Studies show that eating dinner as a family leads to kids getting better grades, resisting peer pressure and avoiding eating disorders.

Eat dinner as a family once a week

Seems simple enough, but with different schedules and activities it can actually be hard for families nowadays to enjoy a meal together. Make it a goal to sit down as a family once a week for dinner. Do a set night each week or look at everyone's schedules a week in advance and pick a day that works best each week. The choice is yours — just make it happen!

Plan menus together

In most households, the mom picks all the meals, grocery shops and does all the cooking. Next year, consider changing up this routine a bit. Let each child and your husband pick a meal once a week. On the night of their meal, let them help out with the cooking and cleaning. Not only will this teach your kids responsibility, it also gives you a much-needed break from the stress of dinnertime.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away

Vow to eat healthier as a family. Trade in the usual after-school cookies for a piece of juicy fruit or crisp vegetables. Healthy eating can be fun for kids when the whole family is involved. Remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Start experimenting

Try one new food each week — whether it's something as simple as a new piece of fruit or more complex like a new recipe. This can be a fun way to get your kids to eat healthier and for you to experiment with new meals.

Check out these unique chicken recipes to spice things up a bit >>

Bake together

Since one goal will be to eat healthier and incorporate more fruits and veggies into your routine, dedicate some time to making a dessert the whole family can enjoy as a reward for healthy eating. Sunday afternoons are a great time to bake cookies with little ones or try a new dessert you've had your eyes on. When the family's involved, it's much easier to stick to your New Year's resolutions, plus it allows for extra laughter and bonding — which is priceless.

If you want to still be healthy, try skinny desserts >>

More on New Year's resolutions

Top New Year's resolutions for a healthy lifestyle
Top 30 diet tips for New Year's resolutions
Jumpstart your New Year's resolution — now!

Tags: family bonding family dinners new year's resolutions

Comments

Comments on "Food resolutions for the whole family"

I'm definitely going to be making some food resolutions this year with my family. We want to eat healthier in general, and I really like the idea of everyone choosing a meal once a week. Thanks!