I've been committed to healthy eating for over a decade now. I've made real progress in increasing my daily servings of fruits and vegetables, I've cut back on bad fats, nearly eliminated trans fats, and have cut back on red meat and other foods not to be eaten in excess. And I am pleased with the health results, although I would like to lose a little more weight.
There are challenges to eating healthy. One challenge is time -- most healthy meals require preparation and time, and the temptation is always to opt to something fast, but unhealthy. However, with a little planning, slowing down the pace of life, and taking advantage of vegetables that can be eaten raw as a snack and easy to make salads, this challenge can be met.
Another challenge is taste, or perhaps "perceived" taste. As you know, I have people over for meals a lot. And unfortunately, beef loaded with fat and potatoes slathered in cream are more of a crowd pleaser than kale, beans, and broccoli served with fish or lean chicken. I watch as my guests pick their out the tomatoes, mushrooms, beans, peas, and other "offending" items from their salads and side dishes. Unfortunately, they tend to pick out the healthy stuff. As their host, I don't make a fuss, but if I were their mother, you could bank on me scolding them.
I love the taste of healthy food and know many people who do. And healthy food can be creatively prepared to taste good. I love steamed kale with garlic and lemon juice. I love beans in soup, salads, and as side dishes. And there isn't a vegetable that I won't eat. The creative, tasteful uses for whole grains, vegetables, and fruit are endless.
How do you overcome the challenges to healthy eating? How do you deal with fussy guests? And what strategies are you taking to eat healthy and see that your family does too?