When you’re on a diet, you may find yourself preparing food for yourself while the rest of your family enjoys a different meal. Creating separate meals and snacks can be a difficult undertaking. It can make staying on plan harder than it has to be. We’re here to help! We’ve come up with nine healthy living tips for your family that are sure to make things easier on you. These simple ideas and recipes will help you stay on track with your Nutrisystem plan while keeping your family happy and healthy.
Here are nine healthy living tips the whole family will love:
1. Plan Together
Make a meal plan every week with input from the whole family. Everyone around the table will be happier when it’s time to eat. Having a plan also reduces the chances that you’ll have to pick up unhealthy food at the last minute. Use the Nutrisystem Grocery Guide to help you put together a shopping list so the ingredients are good for you and your family.
2. Favorites Revised
Your gang doesn’t have to give up eating meals they love. Many family favorites can be transformed into a healthier meal. Swapping out a few ingredients can turn any meal into a diet-friendly feast.
Try out some of these healthier takes on homemade classics:
3. Noodle Upgrade
Pasta is a mainstay of many family meals. Whole grain versions taste like ordinary noodles but are loaded with fiber and lower on the Glycemic Index. There are also many varieties made from beans and legumes. Better yet, try noodles made from vegetables like zucchini, spaghetti squash or sweet potatoes. They’re available in many supermarkets or you can make them yourself with a handy spiralizer. Swapping out regular pasta with one of these healthier alternatives is a small change that can make a big difference.
4. Better Snacking
Snacks can present big challenges to healthy eating. However, that doesn’t mean you should pass on snacking. In fact, it is an important part of your Nutrisystem plan. You can create delicious snacks that are both healthy and family friendly. Remember to keep choices on hand that are packed with nutrients and low in extra calories, fats and sugar.
Try serving some of these yummy snacks:
If your family loves to dip (who doesn’t?), you can also stock your fridge with non-starchy vegetables like baby carrots or cucumbers. Serve with a healthy dip like hummus or our Buffalo Blue Cheese Dip that you can whip up in minutes.
5. Spicy Sensations
The most satisfying food doesn’t have the most calories—it has the most flavor. Spices and herbs perk up the taste of any meal without adding extra calories. With so many choices, you are sure find flavors that everyone will love. Pungent garlic, fiery pepper, sweet cinnamon and zesty ginger are just some of the healthy options. The best part is that these seasonings are Free Foods on your Nutrisystem plan. Feel free to spice it up and enjoy as much of them as you’d like.
6. Smoothie Time
Adults and kids will always say yes to thick, creamy shakes. Fuel up your family for a busy morning or help them recharge in the afternoon with a smoothie. You can switch up the ingredients based on their favorite flavors to ensure it’s a treat that everyone will love. It’s also a great way to sneak in some vegetables! Smoothie bowls are another fun way to serve this treat. Throw on some other nutritious toppings like nuts, seeds or dried fruit.
Grab your blender and whip up some of these creamy creations:
7. Air Frying
Deep-fried foods are loaded with extra calories and unhealthy fats. However, they are very popular with people of all ages. An air fryer is a handy kitchen appliance that circulates heated air around the food, making healthy living easy! This creates a crispy outer coating while leaving the inside tender and juicy. The results are just like deep-fried, but without all of the oil. You’ll be even happier when you see how quick and easy it is to clean up after using this great appliance. Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Bites are sure to please all the “nugget” fans in your family. Air Fryer Pizza Rolls will be a new family favorite.
Looking for more ideas to throw in your air fryer? Click here >
8. Fun Stuff
Healthy living shouldn’t feel like a chore. Instead, try to make good food that’s fun for all ages. Skewers or kebabs are an imaginative twist on meals made with familiar ingredients. They help you stick to proper portion sizes and are the perfect way to get fruits and veggies into picky eaters!
Here are some fun ideas:
9. Get Moving
Family game night just got healthier! Incorporate some fun physical activity into your week with games that get you all up and moving. Play catch, soccer or any other sport that you all enjoy. Set up a relay race, obstacle course or scavenger hunt to get everyone walking around. You can even have a dance party! Head to the park for some fun time and walking. (Don’t forget to bring along some of the healthy snacks and meals above for a picnic!)
