How to Cut Calories From a Family's Diet

Most people don't like the word "diet"--especially when it comes to their kids. These days, more and more families eat poorly at the dinner table and realize it's time to cut some of the fat. However, changing your diet is more about changing your lifestyle and preparing your meals. There are a few ways to cut down on calories without making your meals tasteless or boring.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make things more colorful on each person's plate. This is a great way to incorporate vegetables into each meal, replacing the more caloric starches and sides that usually go with your family's meals. The more colors you have on the table, the more vitamins and fiber are in your dinner, cutting back on empty calories.

2. Keep portions under control. This can help your family stick to a better diet. Usually kids and adults with a hungry appetite tend to have bigger eyes than their stomachs can handle. As a parent, you might want to dish up smaller (1/2 to 1 cup) servings so your family doesn't overeat with the "clearing ones plate" mentality.

3. Stay hydrated. This is great way to chop a few extra calories from your family's diet. Studies show that the more water people have in their systems, the less food they tend to eat. Try giving your kids water throughout the day or before their dinner. Experts say that many times when a person thinks he's hungry, he is actually thirsty instead.

4. Create healthier snacks. This can help keep kids salt and sugar intakes low. Many kids tend to snack on pre-packaged goodies and whatever they can find in the cupboard. Spend an extra 5 minutes in the morning, or even the night before, preparing healthier snacks that will be waiting for them when they get home. Some great suggestions are: apple slices and a tablespoon of peanut butter, celery or carrot sticks and 1/3 cup of light salad dressing or ½ cup of trail mix already measured in a bag.

5. Cut back on fast foods. This may sound very time consuming but, it can cut out quite a few calories. Some parents like to plan a week's worth of meals to make sure that there's a plan in place for dinner every night. Even with a busy schedule, you can accomplish healthier eating by bringing vegetables as a snack when your family has to eat late or making part of your healthier meal the night before a busy day.

6. Remember who is in charge when it comes to determining what your family eats in its meals. Parents tend to get frustrated when their child is picky about the foods he eats or the new vegetables put on his dinner plate. The more routine certain foods become, the more family members can be accepting of them.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are very concerned about your family's diet and haven't been able to figure out what works for you to cut down on the calories, you may want to speak with a dietician or nutritionist.
• Children need certain fats and vitamins that adults may not necessarily require in their diet. So make sure you aren't cutting too much of the good fats from your kids plates at dinner time.