Changing whole families eating habits

[phoenixmama]

I am taking the advice of changing my physical health as the first step in overall self improvement. Its definitely a major obstacle as my husband and I are extremely lethargic and have gotten really lazy over the past couple of years.

So where do I start? I don't think I want to be a comple vegetarian but I do want to reduce the amount of meat we eat. Most importantly I want to reduce the amount of sugar in our diet. We eat alot of sweets and it it taking its toll. I just dont have any ideas of what to give my kids to drink or snack on. Also we are on at tight budget so I cant just go into whole foods and buy whatever I see.

Are there any books you guys can point me to? Websites?

Thanks for any help.

[Erin Pavlina]

One entire chapter of my book, Raising Vegan Children in a Non-Vegan World, is devoted to transitioning to a new diet. It may not help you specifically since you are not wanting to go vegan but I wanted to mention it in case you're interested.

The general gist, however is to start by replacing bad things with better things. Like when you're baking, use whole wheat pastry flour instead of white flour. Or use a non-hydrogenated margarine instead of butter. Or use applesauce instead of eggs in baking.

I also recommend buying a couple of vegetarian cookbooks. Just start making recipes. Find stuff the family likes and keep making those recipes. Nix the recipes the family doesn't like.

A really good transition book is Lean and Luscious and Meatless by Bobbie Hinman and Millie Snyder. That book remains my favorite cookbook. Very healthy, vegetarian not vegan though it is easily veganized for my family. It contains hearty stews, healthy but delicious desserts, and great healthy ingredients.

Stop buying the really bad sweets and switch to sweets that aren't as bad for you, like fat free fudge pops or non-dairy desserts. Try the So Delicious Purely Decadent "ice creams." They will rock your world!

Also check out my own cookbook, Vegan Family Favorites, which is currently on sale for half price, and if you go to the site you'll see photos of every recipe in the book.

Good luck! one step at a time. No judgment and no berating yourself as you go. Do the best you can.

[phoenixmama]

Wow, thanks Erin. I will definitely check out those books. I really appreciate your encouragement.

One question, I don't know if its in the books you mentioned. What do you give your kids to drink? Only water, juices? My kids drink all day long, with juice that can get expensive. Should I just go cold turkey with water only?

[Kaspian]

Should I just go cold turkey with water only?

I rarely drink anything but water.

[Erin Pavlina]

Water is the best, obviously. 100% fruit juice is better than the high fructose corn syrup juice.

[maclinda]

Oh, and there are great herbal teas! Not the expensive, per pack kind. If there's a bulk section at a health food store you can buy small amounts just to try. Let the kids pick some; it's fun that way rather than deprivation.

Lemon balm grows freely in lots of yards and makes a yummy lemon smelling (though not tasting) tea. You could put a little lemon juice in for a tangy taste. If you lived closer to Kentucky I'd gladly give you some!

Ask friends if they have any great herbs for tea. Many herbs spread like crazy--most of the mints do---so you friends might be delighted to share.

Do you know what chamomile looks like? It looks like little daisies. If you can find some, it makes a delicious tea. It's a calming herb, though, so if you and hubby are not very energetic this might be better drunk at bedtime.

Mint teas tend to be energizing, and they taste great on these hot days.

Another really good point is that you need little to no sweetening, which will be healthier. Do you know what stevia is? It's an intensely sweet plant, which can be used to sweeten drinks; no calories, no nasty side effects.

This is a very economical and healthy way to have plenty of drink choices.