How to Manage People's Eating Habits
Managing another person's eating habits is a tough task. Eating is extremely personal. This means that exerting control over another person's eating habits can seem very intrusive. There are instances though where managing the eating habits of another person is necessary. Young children need guidance with their eating. People with certain health conditions likewise may need some encouragement to change their eating habits. Managing this without hurting the dignity of the other person is the goal. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Instructions
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Remember that you cannot actually control what another person eats; you can only make suggestions, provide healthy food options and set a healthy eating habit example.
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Never nag another person about their eating habits. Lasting changes in eating habits come from inner motivation. Tough talk about eating habits usually only works when a person voluntarily seeks advice. When advice is sought, offering professional help from a dietitian or doctor is an excellent idea.
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Provide healthy foods and make unhealthy foods less available. Establishing the habit of eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day can only happen if the fruits and vegetables are handy, so see that they are. For breads and cereals, keep only whole grain foods on hand; eliminate refined flour products. Once again, providing the healthier option while making the less healthy option harder to get will help change eating habits. Take a similar approach to meats, poultry and fish; replace all fried or fatty protein sources with baked, grilled, poached or steamed selections.
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Keep a selection of healthy snacks available. Easy to munch vegetables are good for satisfying the need to eat something crunch. Fruits are good for satisfying cravings for sweets. Pre-measured treats with a known number of calories, such as 100 calorie snack packs, are good for occasional splurges.
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Set a good eating habit example. Perhaps the greatest control you have over the eating habits of people that you live with is through your own eating habits. Show that you are committed to healthy eating habits through your own healthy food choices.
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For children, do not provide foods you do not want them to eat. Because you actually do have a great deal of control over your children's daily activities, you can limit the availability of unhealthy food. Eventually they'll have to succumb to healthy eating habits. Once again, remember the example you are setting and be sure to mind your own eating habits.
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Establish at least one regular family meal time each day. Eating together as a family provides a good time to demonstrate healthy eating habits. Eating together also helps to associate healthy eating habits with enjoyable social interaction.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that eating is supposed to be pleasurable. If a favorite food must be eliminated, find a new healthier treat to take its place.
Avoid a self righteous attitude about healthy eating habits. This is annoying and counterproductive.
Avoid equating unhealthy eating with moral failing. Eating habits are based on many complex factors, but thus far weakness of character has not been identified as one of them.
