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So, you’ve started Trim Healthy Mama. You feel great, you’re super pumped to share it with everyone..starting with the beloved people under your own roof. You expect your family to react with the same joy you have, yet you’re met with looks of disdain and untouched plates.
This has been me a few times. I’m a blessed wife and Mama to two little boys. All of my men are extremely opinionated and they love their food! In the beginning, I was running myself ragged trying to cook multiple options for everyone. Now, my little guys eat on plan nearly 100% (except for treats, when we eat out and other toddler-esque occasions.) and my husband, when home, eats on plan. And truthfully? They have no clue that they’re eating any different than they normally would. It’s been trial and error, but I’ve come up with some awesome tips that have made this transition easier and enjoyable for everyone.
Think Substitutions
If your family is set in their ways and not totally open to a lot of new recipes, think in terms of substitution rather than a total overhaul. Instead of using regular pasta in your spaghetti or alfredo, use Dreamfields. Switch to low-carb tortillas for taco night, and substitute a sweet potato for that starchy white one. The trick at first might be to keep meals as “normal” seeming as possible.
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Sneak Veggies In
Most family members will eat a simple salad, so I started adding one to nearly every meal. My family also loves green beans if they’re seasoned or cheesy broccoli, so making those veggies a regular part of our meals was a no drama move. You can also sneak spinach into smoothies, squash puree into an on plan mac and cheese and if you get really good at making them..cauliflower mashed potatoes have fooled a tot or two. 🙂
Lead By Example
If your family sees you having an awesome attitude about the plan they’re going to be more likely to join in themselves. Do your best to not complain, to talk about the positives you’re experiencing (even if you have yet to lose a pound!) and to show your family just how fun it can be. If you’re trying to eliminate cheats, show your family healthy alternatives by passing up the dessert table yourself!
Make it Fun!
I don’t know about you, but I’m more likely to follow someone’s lead if what they’re doing isn’t sheer drudgery! Make following THM fun for your family! Here are a few ways that I try to lighten things up:
- Let your family members choose a new recipe to try
- Invest in a fun special ingredient like THM Baking Blend so you can experiment together
- Let your kids help cook
- Cut veggies and fruits into fun shapes. I do this with toast too!
Give Them Grace
If your husband or child goes off plan, don’t guilt-trip them. Remember that everyone needs grace and that the three-hour rule applies to everyone! This attitude of grace over perfection is going to give your family a healthy lifestyle stress-free.
Don’t Push and Compromise
You guys, I pushed my husband SO much at first and it backfired. He was super unhappy, he was eating more fast food than usual (because he was sneaking it!) and there was so much tension. When I sat down with him and came up with a compromise things worked better. We decided that at home, he eats on plan. At work, he does his thing. Is this the perfect compromise? Absolutely not! But it’s saved a lot of heartaches.
Let Them Trim Their Way
THM is about customizing the principles to fit your lifestyle. I mean, the theme song clues you in on that one! As a wife and Mama, you know your family better than anyone else. You know their schedules, their hearts, their preferences. Don’t be afraid to customize the plan to fit your family. Pay attention to their individual needs (More “E” meals, etc). Let them be as Drive-Thru-Sue or Purist-y as they like without judgement. 🙂
Want more family-friendly tips?
Check out my family-friendly THM recipe roundup
and..
Thank you!!?
You’re welcome!<3