Clean Eating for You...and Your Family

One of the biggest excuses I hear when it comes to clean eating is that it's impossible to eat clean when the rest of your household is still downing oreos and doritos. And y'all this is an excuse I can totally understand. When temptation isn't staring you in the face, it's so much easier to stay on track and really start cleaning up your eating habits. But how can you convince the rest of your family to get on board?

The truth? There aren't any magic words and probably just throwing out their treat stash won't go over well. But there are a few things you can do to that just may have them wanting to eat clean too!

Tip #1: Start Slow

So often we just want to jump in feet first and go from a junk food junkie to a clean eating freak. It's okay to start slow! Start with switching out your snacks or maybe set a goal to eat clean at dinnertime every day. By changing one meal, you should easily be able to work that into your family's meal plan.

{Photo Cred: Pinterest}

Tip #2: Set An Example

Before you can expect them to jump on board, you've got to set an example. You've got to start your clean eating journey and let them see what you're doing. The trick here is to find healthy meals that you love. Whether you're eating out or cooking at home, let them see that not only are you choosing healthier options, but you're enjoying it too. When they see that you're enjoying what you're doing, they'll be more likely to join in.

{Photo Cred: Pinterest}

Tip #3: Stop Buying Junk

While it probably won't go over well to just throw out their goodies, if you're the chief grocery shopper...stop buying it. If your kids can't drive, you can easily control what they're allowed to have in the house. For older children or your spouse, if they want the junk food and processed stuff, let them make the trip to the store for it. Most likely, they won't.

When the junk food stashes start running low, they'll be looking for snacks and guess what? All your healthy meal prepping will be staring them in the face.

{Photo Cred: Pinterest}

Tip #4: Be Prepared To Answer Questions

When you start taking the junk food out of the house, be prepared to answer questions like, "why is fast food bad for me?" or "why can't I buy my favorite chips?" The best advice I can give you is not to word vomit on them. Tell them enough to answer the questions they've asked but leave it open-ended enough for them to ask more. Let them guide the conversation.

{Photo Cred: Pinterest}

Tip #5: Be Prepared For Resistance

Let's be honest, at some point you're going to meet resistance. They're going to want pizza and wings and macaroni and cheese. Know in advance that this is coming. Find healthier versions of foods they love and be prepared to offer them when they ask for one of their less than stellar favorites. Having trouble finding a decent recipe for a clever switcheroo? Let me know! I'll help you find an awesome substitute.

{Photo Cred: Beachbody}

Tip #6: Be Creative

Clean eating should NOT be boring!! If it is, we need to talk! Pinterest has tons of delicious clean recipes and I try to post them here for you as well. Try this Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe. It's clean, it's delicious, and my daughter loves it!

Tip #7: Let Them Help

Have your family help you meal prep. Older kids and spouses can chop vegetables. Younger kids can stir or wash fruits and vegetables. Find something that they'll enjoy and let them be a part of the process. When they're able to help, they're more inclined to eat the food they've prepared.

Tip #8: Keep Going

And if all else fails, don't give up! Let them see that no matter what, you're changing your lifestyle. Maybe they're just not ready to get on board and that's ok. Don't let them be a stumbling block for you, but don't force your new eating habits down their throat either. And with a little time and a consistency on your part, I'd be willing to be that they'll come around. 

{Photo Cred: Pinterest}