Logo

    family meals

    Explore " family meals" with insightful episodes like "Balancing Nutrition and Fitness: Expert Tips for Busy Moms with Anita Mirchandani", "Is Your Family Eating Together?", "Ep 116: Nourished, Connection, Food and Caring for our kids, w/ Dr Deborah MacNamara", "Tips to Navigate Back to School Schedules, Family Meals, and School Lunches" and "Episode 198: Eat Like the French Do and Be Healthier with Caroline Lamont" from podcasts like ""The Running Wine Mom", "Youth Culture Today with Walt Mueller", "Ask Dr Jessica", "The True Wellness Podcast with Chelsey Holm" and "Sparking Wholeness"" and more!

    Episodes (33)

    Balancing Nutrition and Fitness: Expert Tips for Busy Moms with Anita Mirchandani

    Balancing Nutrition and Fitness: Expert Tips for Busy Moms with Anita Mirchandani

    In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, host Samantha Cieslinski delves into the world of nutrition, fitness, and wellness with registered dietitian nutritionist and fitness professional, Anita Merchandani. Together, they explore the importance of building a balanced approach to nutrition and health, seamlessly integrating fitness programs with nutrition support, and offering practical wellness hacks for busy parents. They emphasize the significance of mindful eating, stress management, and maintaining healthy habits throughout various life stages, from childhood to perimenopause.


    Takeaways:


    1. Balanced Approach: Prioritizing a balanced approach to nutrition and fitness is crucial for overall well-being.

    2. Tailored Plans: Personalizing nutrition and fitness plans according to individual needs and schedules is key for success.

    3. Incorporating Fitness: Integrating small bursts of physical activity into daily routines can be as effective as longer workouts.

    4. Mindful Eating: Practicing mindful eating and managing stress are essential components of a healthy lifestyle.


    Chapters:


    - Introduction to Anita Merchandani: Getting to know Anita and her expertise in nutrition and fitness.

    - Building a Balanced Approach: Exploring the importance of balance in nutrition, health, and wellness.

    - Seamlessly Combining Fitness and Nutrition: Understanding how fitness programs and nutrition support can complement each other.

    - Wellness Hacks for Busy Parents: Offering practical tips for busy parents to prioritize their health.

    - Incorporating Fitness into Daily Routines: Discussing strategies to include fitness activities in everyday life.

    - Mindful Eating for Busy Parents: Exploring the benefits of mindful eating amidst hectic schedules.

    - Managing Stress Effectively: Providing insights into managing stress for improved well-being.

    - Children's Nutrition and Picky Eating: Addressing challenges and solutions for children's nutrition, including dealing with picky eaters.

    - Creating a Positive Mealtime for the Family: Emphasizing the importance of family meals and mealtime dynamics.

    - Managing Health during Life Cycles: Navigating health through different life stages, from pregnancy to perimenopause.

    - Keeping Healthy Habits: Highlighting strategies for maintaining healthy habits for long-term wellness.


    This episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for listeners looking to enhance their nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being.

    Links:
    fitnutanita
    https://anitamirchandani.com/

    Is Your Family Eating Together?

    Is Your Family Eating Together?

    Last Thanksgiving, our adult children all came to our house with our grandchildren to share the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Because our family has grown over the years, we had to get creative with moving furniture around in order to make one large table that would accommodate seventeen people. But it was all worth it as we were able to share a meal and conversation around the table. As I was looking around the table, I got to thinking about how eating together as a family is a disappearing reality for so many. A recent survey from the American Enterprise Institute found that seventy-six percent of the members of my baby-boomer generation say that having regular family meals was a part of their childhood experience. It was consistently a part of my own family experience. Now, only thirty-eight percent of the members of Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, report having regular family meals. Parents, make meal-time a valuable family time, and hold it sacred.

    Ep 116: Nourished, Connection, Food and Caring for our kids, w/ Dr Deborah MacNamara

    Ep 116: Nourished, Connection, Food and Caring for our kids, w/ Dr Deborah MacNamara

    On this episode of Ask Dr Jessica, Deborah MacNamara discusses her new book 'Nourished' Connection Food and Caring for our Kids.  She explores the challenges of picky eating and the evolutionary perspective on food preferences. She provides practical tips for parents of picky eaters and highlights the significance of creating a positive mealtime environment. MacNamara also addresses nutritional concerns and the importance of trusting the process. She discusses the connection between food and relationship dynamics and the impact of external factors on food challenges. Macnamara emphasizes the the importance of small steps and progress in eating. She explores the role of food as an expression of love and connection and discusses the decline of family meals and its impact on attachment.  She concludes by highlighting the power of simple acts of care and nourishment and the ultimate goal of parenting: attachment and legacy.   To learn more about Dr MacNamara and her new book, check out her website

    Takeaways

    • The relationship between food and attachment is crucial in shaping children's eating habits and preferences.
    • Creating a positive mealtime environment and focusing on connection and relationship can help address picky eating challenges.
    • Parents should provide a variety of healthy foods and allow children to decide the quantity they eat.
    • Family meals and rituals around food are important for fostering attachment and togetherness.
    • Trusting the process and focusing on the bigger picture can alleviate stress and guilt around food and eating.

    To learn more about Dr MacNamara:  https://macnamara.ca/nourished/
    In addition to being the author of "Nourished", she has also written a book called "Rest, Play Grow" discussing attachment and development of children.

    Dr Jessica Hochman is a board certified pediatrician, mom to three children, and she is very passionate about the health and well being of children. Most of her educational videos are targeted towards general pediatric topics and presented in an easy to understand manner.

    Do you have a future topic you'd like Dr Jessica Hochman to discuss? Email Dr Jessica Hochman askdrjessicamd@gmail.com.

    Follow her on Instagram: @AskDrJessica
    Subscribe to her YouTube channel! Ask Dr Jessica
    Subscribe to this podcast: Ask Dr Jessica
    Subscribe to her mailing list: www.askdrjessicamd.com

    The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditions or formulate treatment plans for specific individuals. If you have a concern about your child's health, be sure to call your child's health care provider.

    Tips to Navigate Back to School Schedules, Family Meals, and School Lunches

    Tips to Navigate Back to School Schedules, Family Meals, and School Lunches


    In this episode, I will be discussing some practical tips for navigating back to school schedules, family meals, and school lunches. The start of the school year can be a stressful time for families, but with a bit of planning and preparation, it doesn't have to be. 

    Let's go!!!

    Need a safe, tasty protein like I use? Grab mine here >>> Home - chelseynoel (shaklee.com)

    Support the show

    Chelsey Holm | Mindset Coach for Social Sellers
    "I help people help themselves"

    NASM-certified in Personal Training and Nutrition
    John Maxwell Leadership Certified in Speaking, Coaching, and Training
    Certified SSLS Kristen Boss Coach
    10+ years experience helping people build true wellness & businesses without the overwhelm & stress
    100's of clients with REAL natural solutions for their health (especially energy, sleep, digestion, skin/hair/nails, focus, and more!)
    Mom of 5, Army wife

    Access more from Chelsey- @chelsey_noel (stan.store)

    Ready Set Wellness: https://us.shaklee.com/site/chelseynoel/Nutrition/Ready-Set-Wellness/Ready-Set-Wellness-Bundle/p/89599

    Episode 198: Eat Like the French Do and Be Healthier with Caroline Lamont

    Episode 198: Eat Like the French Do and Be Healthier with Caroline Lamont
    Caroline Lamont is a holistic health coach, certified Autoimmune Paleo coach, and a functional medicine practitioner with the School of Applied Functional Medicine (SAFM). She is also a leader with SAFM, supporting new functional medicine practitioners during their studies. She combines health coaching and functional medicine to help clients control the immune response that’s causing their conditions reduce inflammation in your body, and minimize the pain and discomfort that inflammation causes. Key topics: - Caroline’s unique nutrition perspective from her time in France and England - Differences in French culture and US with health outcomes - Eating practices that negatively impact health - French culinary differences and the importance of eating seasonally - Caroline’s passion for autoimmune health and her own journey - How to view an whole foods elimination diet from a less stressful lens - The importance of moving slowly toward health goals Learn more about Caroline at greatingreatout.com and follow her on Instagram at @carolinelamonthealthcoach. To get Erin’s FREE monthly meal plan and recipe list delivered to your inbox every month, click here: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup

    How To Teach Kids Healthy Eating Habits | 6 Family Eating Tips

    How To Teach Kids Healthy Eating Habits | 6 Family Eating Tips

    Welcome to The Strong Family Project, where we delve into important parenting topics that impact the well-being of your family. We will explore one of the common challenges parents face: teaching kids healthy eating habits. Join Joe and Mell from The Strong Family Project as they share their expertise and provide practical tips to make mealtime easier and more nutritious for your children.

    1. Lead by Example:
      The foundation of instilling healthy eating habits in your kids starts with your own habits. As parents, it is crucial to prioritize your own health and well-being by adopting a balanced and nutritious diet. 
    2. Persistence Pays Off:
      It's not uncommon for kids to resist new foods or show aversions to certain ingredients. However, the key is to persevere and continue offering healthy options. Keep reintroducing nutritious foods in different ways, such as incorporating them into favorite dishes or preparing them in creative ways. 
    3. Healthy Alternatives:
      Sometimes, finding healthy versions of their favorite foods can be a game-changer. Explore recipes and substitutes that provide similar flavors and textures while being more nutritious. For example, try making homemade versions of popular treats like shakes, smoothies, or snacks using wholesome ingredients. This way, you can satisfy your child's cravings while ensuring they consume healthier alternatives.
    4. Involve Kids in Meal Preparation:
      Empower your children by involving them in meal preparation. Let them assist in grocery shopping, selecting ingredients, and participating in age-appropriate cooking tasks. This hands-on involvement not only encourages their interest in food but also helps them develop important life skills. Additionally, when children feel invested in the cooking process, they are more likely to try and enjoy the dishes they help create.
    5. Create a Snack List:
      To address those between-meal hunger pangs, create a snack list with healthy options that are easily accessible. Include items like fresh fruits, nuts, yogurt, or homemade granola bars. Having a designated list of nutritious snacks helps prevent mindless snacking and ensures that your kids have access to wholesome choices when hunger strikes.
    6. Plan Family Dinners:
      Make family dinners a priority and plan them in advance. Involve your children in meal planning by providing them with a few options to choose from. This gives them a sense of control and encourages them to be more engaged during mealtime. Additionally, if your child is resistant to the main meal, offer a few healthy alternatives that they can make for themselves. This way, they still have nutritious options while feeling empowered in their choices.


    Get the full 7 Elements of the Strong Family Path free at https://strongfamilyproject.com/strong-family-path/

    Follow on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@strongfamilyco

    And join the Instagram Strong Fam: https://www.instagram.com/officialstrongfamilyco/

    Email Us: strongfamilyco@gmail.com with comments, questions, media inquiries or brand advertising (to save time, better listen to some Strong Family episodes first and are aligned with our message!)

    We hope that you found this episode of the Strong Family Project Podcast helpful and informative. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving us a review or a comment on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us to continue creating valuable content for our listeners and to reach more families who could benefit from our message. Thank you for tuning in and for being a part of the Strong Family Project community!

    27 - Food hacks and minimising food waste with Alex Elliott-Howery

    27 - Food hacks and minimising food waste with Alex Elliott-Howery

    Have you been trying to minimise your grocery spend? Feeling guilty when you throw out all of those tired looking vegetables and sad, old leftovers at the end of the week? Don’t know where to start with preparing simple and nourishing meals for your family? Today’s guest is here to help, one bendy carrot at a time! There are also many very funny food confessions from Luka (and a few appropriately timed f-bombs, so just be mindful around your little people).


    Alex Elliott-Howery is the founder of Cornersmith cafe in Sydney, an author, educator and food waste advocate. Alex co-founded Cornersmith cafe and cooking school with her husband James in 2012. She has built a thriving business that brings knowledge once shared around kitchen tables to educate and advocate for changes in our homes as well as in our food systems, bringing local solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing our planet. Alex has co-written 4 best-selling cookbooks: Cornersmith, Salads and Pickles, and Use it All, and The Food Saver’s A-Z - they’re some of our favourites on our shelf and we HIGHLY recommend you get your hands on a copy too.


    In this podcast we cover:

    • Some of the biggest issues facing families regarding food waste and the broader impact this has globally
    • Practical tips to help create nourishing meals when you struggle with what to cook (and how to make it less daunting)
    • Some of the simple and quirky ways we can use what we have to minimise our food spend and food waste
    • and so much more!


    Alex is absolutely hilarious and we loved this conversation with her and everything else she puts out into the world. You can connect with her on instagram or find out more about her classes, cafe and cookbooks on the Cornersmith website.

    Today's episode is brought to you by Subo. The Subo food bottles are a favourite item in both Luka and Kate’s household - not only easy for the kids to use, but mess free and portable! The food bottle is quick and easy to fill with everything from purees, yogurt, smoothies, porridge and more. As your child sips the soft silicon (BPA-free) spout, the food rises up the bottle, one perfect-sized mouth full at a time. Unlike many other single-use food pouches, the innovative design means the food bottle does not need to be squeezed to access the contents. Instead, your child can feed themselves, anywhere, anytime and on the go - no mess, no fuss, no waste. 

    We are also so excited to have just released a limited edition Boob to Food collaboration bottle in our green and pink brand colours! 

    You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 10% off your order. Visit suboproducts.com.au

    Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

    Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

    Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

    To get in touch please email podcast@boobtofood.com

    5 Ways to Include Whole Foods in Your Family's Daily Routine

    5 Ways to Include Whole Foods in Your Family's Daily Routine

    Whether you’re searching for lunchbox inspo, or looking for easy ways to incorporate more real foods into your household in exchange for our standard, processed American staples, Kristin Marr, has spent the last decade experimenting with recipes and tricks to get healthy meals to your dinner table. Join your host Yamel as she chats with Kristin about how they manage to prepare healthy meals for their families despite busy schedules. 

    Kristin Mar is the owner and creator of Live Simply, a blog where she shares real food recipes and natural cleaning remedies. Check out her Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube channel for more information.

    Keep in touch and in the loop with Yamel on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube

    With one or two parents working outside the house, figuring out how to consistently provide balanced breakfasts, lunches and dinners can be overwhelming.  So how do we get back to healthier living while being conscious of time, skill and accessibility without breaking the bank?

    Simple Ingredients
    You don’t need super fancy ingredients or tools. The Live Simply website is like a Bible of recipes that provide easy ingredient substitutions and variations. No scouring through a Whole Foods or fancy health store required! 

    Real Foods
    American food culture has been largely shaped by marketing, leaving most of us confused on what is actually good to eat, and what is making us unhealthy. It’s time to look back at our ancestors for inspiration on what traditional meals may look like for us today. What have culturally healthy communities been consuming for generations upon generations? That is real food – from the ground, plants or animals.

    5 Ways To Add More Whole Foods to Your Household
    You don’t have to overhaul your pantry throwing out all of the cookies, cereals and chips all at once. 

    1. Look at the ingredients labels carefully, compare, and start swapping slowly. It could be as simple as a over-the-counter syrups to maple syrups swap.
    2. Learn to cook the basics – rice, chicken breasts, and maybe even a whole chicken in the oven. Utilize the tools you already have, your oven and your stove. Keep a list of meals you’re learning how to make and the ingredients they require. 
    3. Start gradually, and be patient with yourself. Maybe it’s a goal of cooking just one meal at home a week, then eventually bump it up to two, three and so on. 
    4. Keep a list of the meals you and your family enjoy to refer to when needed.
    5. Cook once, eat twice. Meal plan in a way that works with your schedule. Double up on recipes, or cook a little extra protein on Sundays.

    As your family gets more comfortable with the changes, the good habits will become foundational. And as a plus, when you do get to go out to eat, it will feel like a special treat. It may take a little bit of forethought and planning, but it gets easier as your family gets healthier.

    Cook with Confidence with Laney Schwartz

    Cook with Confidence with Laney Schwartz

    Anyone else feel like they're failing their family in the kitchen?

    Thankfully, Laney is here to take the weight off our shoulders!

    Laney Schwartz is an everyday mom, founder, and creator behind the food blog Life Is But A Dish.  She is on a mission to help busy home cooks across the world gain confidence in the kitchen, create simple and delicious meals, and cook without being tied to a recipe. 

    IN THIS EPISODE, WE COVERED...

    • Why you're not alone if you feel overwhelmed or inadequate in the kitchen
    • Ways to get out of a rut
    • What to do when you're super low on time

    DON'T MISS-

    • Her down-to-earth journey into entrepreneurship
    • The one thing she recommends every single home cook start with to take the stress out of their kitchen!

    // CONNECT WITH LANEY SCHWARTZ//
    Website:  https://www.lifeisbutadish.com/
    IG: @lifeisbutadish
    Cook with Confidence Program- https://www.lifeisbutadish.com/failingmotherhood
    Code MOTHERHOOD for $100 off!

    I believe in you & I'm cheering you on.
    Come say hi!  I'm @parent_wholeheartedly on Insta.

    Support the show

    *FREE* MASTERCLASS: Learn how to CONFIDENTLY parent your strong-willed child WITHOUT threats, bribes or giving in altogether so you can BREAK FREE of power struggles + guilt
    www.parentingwholeheartedly.com/unapologetic

    www.parentingwholeheartedly.com

    Gifting from your Kitchen | 038

    Gifting from your Kitchen | 038

    Many of us have a tradition of making something in our kitchens and gifting it to neighbors, friends, teachers, etc. But it’s not hard for that tradition to feel a bit overwhelming during the holidays, so we’ll break down some easy recipes, packaging suggestion, and maybe even a few corny tag lines you could use this week.

    Ready to solve the challenge of weeknight dinner fatigue? Join Recipe Club!
    Click here to learn more.



    Looking for more recipes? Check out Recipe Club!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Why Family Dinner is Important to Me | 032

    Why Family Dinner is Important to Me | 032

    If you've been with me on this journey for a while you'll know a little bit about why I value breaking bread with my family at the dinner table. Today, we're diving deep into the importance of family dinner and the research behind why it is so beneficial for everyone in your household. I invite you to incorporate some of our family traditions and recipes at your table this week.

    For more about the recipes featured in this episode, follow me on Instagram @kelseynixon

    Looking for more recipes? Check out Recipe Club!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Simple System for Packing School Lunches | 028

    Simple System for Packing School Lunches | 028

    This week Kelsey‘s kids are heading back to school so that means it’s time to dust off the lunchboxes and get packing. Have you ever thought of having your kids pack their own lunch? Kelsey talks about that controversial topic and shares three easy recipes to avoid burnout at the dinner table.

    For full recipes and links, check out the show notes: https://kelseynixon.com/podcast028/

    Looking for more recipes? Check out Recipe Club!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    What to Bring to a Potluck | 022

    What to Bring to a Potluck | 022

    This week Kelsey reflects on a whirlwind weekend in The Big Apple and her favorite place to spend the afternoon in Central Park. Warm weather brings potlucks and picnics! Kelsey shares her best practices and how to avoid everyone bringing brownies and hummus. Looking for a new recipe? The meal plan this week includes a 5 ingredient pasta salad and Kelsey's favorite pantry ingredient, can you guess what it might be?

    For full recipes and show notes, visit: https://kelseynixon.com/podcast022/

    Looking for more recipes? Check out Recipe Club!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Power of the Table | The Power of Us

    The Power of the Table | The Power of Us

    We've been going through a sermon series discussing how our different generations can come together to be a unified body of Christ, even though we all come from different backgrounds. We've talked about the power of our communities, the power of what we are learning and the power of the mission we've been called to. This week we're joined by Pastor Alfredo Ramos as he talks about the power of the table and the communal eating experience.

    Thank you for watching Sandals Church!

    Like, subscribe, and leave us a comment.

    00:00 - Start
    07:51 - The Table is Where People Encountered Jesus
    12:12 - The Table is Where We Are Nourished by Our Generational Differences
    19:29 - The Table is Where Our Joys and Pains Meet the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus
    25:31 - The Table is Where God Uses Physical Food to Remind Us We Need Spiritual Nourishment

    Do you have questions, need prayer or want to get connected? Reach out to our team: https://sandalschurch.com/connect

    Liver! It Must Be Thursday - A History Of Food With Mary B

    Liver! It Must Be Thursday - A History Of Food With Mary B

    This week episode is all about food and the meals Jeff and his family, shared growing up with Mary B. It will  to be a yummy time. Jeff's brother Red is the special guest this week. The coffee review is a doozy and the movie review is Pulp Fiction. Enjoy your morning cup of Joe with Mary B's 5th son!

    -IF YOU LIKE THIS WEEKS EPISODE HELP US GROW THIS PODCAST BY RATING, SUBSCRIBE, AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @MARYBS5THSON. FINALLY, PLEASE SHARE THIS PODCAST WITH THOSE YOU LOVE TO HELP US CONTINUE TO CREATE CONTENT FOR YOU TO ENJOY EVERY SUNDAY MORNING OR ANYTIME!
    -IF YOU WANT TO REACH OUT TO US WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! PLEASE EMAIL US AT:
     marybs5son@gmail.com


    Chicken Soup and My Sister's Kitchen | 002

    Chicken Soup and My Sister's Kitchen | 002

    In this week’s episode Kelsey discusses 3 easy recipes for meal planning this week including her most popular recipe ever, a dinner that’s simple to deconstruct for picky eaters, and a chicken soup that will hit the spot for anyone in your house that is feeling under the weather this month.  Kelsey also brings on her first guest (her sister Kylie!) who discusses how exhausting it is to feed 3 small kids night after night, yet how rewarding it feels to make a meal she’s proud of instead of frozen nuggets. (both agree that there’s a time and a place for nuggets!) They discuss their mutual love for “the world’s greatest pan” and how they both think you can never have too many “bins” in your kitchen. They finish by discussing Kylie’s biggest ever food fail that they’ll never stop laughing about!

    Get full show notes and more information here: https://kelseynixon.com/podcast002/



    Looking for more recipes? Check out Recipe Club!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Kelsey's Kitchen | 001

    Kelsey's Kitchen | 001

    In Kelsey's first officially episode of Kitchen Prescription she shares her story as it relates to food and family and why she feels so passionately about the family dinner table. After meeting Kelsey, she'll walk you through 3 simple weeknight recipes suggestions for the week and discuss her own current "Kitchen Prescription" that is working well for her family. This includes kitchen organization tips that are making her life easier with 3 young kids, the kitchen tools she can't live without right now, and a handful of kitchen systems that make getting dinner on the table feel more manageable.

    Get full show notes and more information here: https://kelseynixon.com/podcast001/

    Looking for more recipes? Check out Recipe Club!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Little Kids: How To Make Mealtime Less Boring

    Little Kids: How To Make Mealtime Less Boring

    Welcome to This Glorious Mess Little Kids. A twice-weekly look at parenting as it really is - confusing, exhausting, inspiring, funny, and full of surprises. So many surprises!

    We all love dinner time, but trying to get our kids to love it is a whole other story. So is there any way to make mealtime fun for you and your little ones?

    This week Tegan and Leigh are joined by Amina Elshafei, a pediatric nurse and former Masterchef contestant. Amina shares her best tips for creating meals that the whole family will enjoy and how to get the kids helping out in the kitchen. 

    Plus, Babyproofing. Is there a good way to it, without it looking, well... ugly?

    LINKS

    You can catch Amina on That's Incredible!

    RECOMMENDATIONS

    Leigh: Reusable Silicone Food Bags

    Tegan: Musicals! 

    CREDITS

    Host: Leigh Campbell & Tegan Natoli

    Guest: Amina Elshafei 

    Producers: Mikayla Floriano

    CONTACT US

    Share your listener dilemmas with us! Leave us a message on 02 8999 9386.

    Send us an email at tgm@mamamia.com.au

    Looking for a community of like-minded parents?  Join our Mamamia Parents Facebook Page... https://www.facebook.com/groups/1047713658714395/ 

    Want a weekly parenting newsletter from Holly Wainwright? Sign up here... https://www.mamamia.com.au/newsletter/ 

    Looking for other podcasts to listen to? You'll find all our Mamamia shows at https://mamamia.com.au/podcasts/

    Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.  

    Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribe

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Healthy Family Tips

    Healthy Family Tips

    Healthy Family Tips-Blog post

    It can be hard getting our families to eat healthier but there are definitely things we as mom's can be doing to help provide our families a healthier lifestyle and it begins the moment you head into the grocery store.

    Make sure that you have eaten prior to heading to the store so you aren't tempted by all of the different unhealthy foods, go with a plan (usually following a meal plan will help), and make sure you are purchasing mostly around the perimeter of the grocery store.  I do keep some junky snack foods on hand for my family such as pretzels, goldfish, and cereals but if you try to keep mostly healthy food that will help.  You can't expect to have your child make the decision to eat an apple if a pop tart is the other option.  

    Now once you are home you will need to help your family to make smart choices by reminding them the importance of eating fruits and vegetables to help them get faster and stronger.

    Here are some things that I require for my children to practice eating healthier:

    • they need to have a fruit or vegetable at every meal or when they grab a snack
    • dessert is only allowed after dinner if they were outside and active that day 
    • dessert is either on a bread plate or served in a teacup to keep portion sizes in check 


    Some other things that I try to do are:

    • have colorful dips on hand filled with greens and herbs so they can dip their veggies, fruits, or pretzels into them or pour on top of things like scrambled eggs or roasted potatoes
    • rethink the whole grains.  You can mix white rice and brown rice together to help them get used to the brown rice
    • spiralize vegetables and add them into the cooked noodles
    • if your kids eat cereal, add a tsp of flax meal for added fiber that will probably go unnoticed


    And lastly, spend at least 30 minutes at the dinner table.  Practice slowing down as it's important to take time to chew your food so that you get all of the nutritional value out of your foods.  We love to play fun question games at the dinner table to get us talking and having fun.

    5 day meal plan FREE

    Join us in our Form Fit Mom Community

    or reach out to us at  courtney@formfitnaples.com

    Support the show

    Head to www.movingthroughmidlife. com to learn more

    Join our Free FB Community:
    Moving through Midlife (Powered by Form Fit) | Facebook


    or follow me on IG or Tik Tok
    courtney_formfit

    Family Meals: Why They're Important and Tips to Get Started

    Family Meals: Why They're Important and Tips to Get Started

    Point 1:  What is a Family Meal?

    • Family meal is when every family member sits down together and eats together

    Point 2: Benefits of Family Meals

    1. Harvard study found that families who eat together twice as likely to eat their five servings of fruits and veggies as opposed to families that don't eat together
    • Tells us that family meals are typically more nutritious due to family meals being more planned and balanced 
    • There will be a lot more variety and healthy foods
    • Kids who eat regular family meals tend to eat a wider variety of foods and tend to be less picky eaters 
    • This can be due to having role models sitting down and trying foods with them 
    • Less emphasis on them eating foods like veggies because everyone is focused on the conversation at the table
    • For younger family members, regular family meals help promote language skills, helps them develop patience and dexterity with utensils, and helps them develop social skills (like manners, taking turns, passing items to family members)

    2. Provide an opportunity for family members to come together, strengthen ties, and build better relationships 

    • Self-esteem can be built-in family members because everyone gets a chance to talk 

    3. Research also suggests that when families eat together, they have a really strong bond

    • We have disconnected lives when at work and school, so it helps us to reconnect
    • Allows parents to understand what's going on in child’s school life 

    4. Great time for parents to be good role models

    • Can set an example of what healthy eating is and healthy polite table manners 

    5. Research shows that families who eat together have a lower rate of obesity 

    • Talking more and eating more slowly, and focusing more on the conversation instead of eating food fast

    6. Kids that have regular family meals at home have a lower chance of engaging in high-risk behaviour and tend to have fewer mental health problems  

    7.Kids who have family meals tend to do better at school 

    Point 3: How Many Family Meals Should You Have?

    • Research shows there tends to be a dose effect, in that the more family meals you have together the better
    • This means that having even one meal together a week is beneficial 

    Point 4: How Do We Get This Done?
    1.Make family meals a priority in your household 

    • Focus on the importance of being together as a family
    • This is more important than making an elaborate meal
    • This can get people tripped up as you don't have to make an elaborate meal
    • Even making a goal of doing one family meal a night more realistic than wanting to have 5 family meals a week
    • Set yourself up for success

     2. Keep meals simple

    • Meals don't have to be elaborate 

    3.Have other family members plan the meals for the night or that week

    • Allow kids to help plan the meal, prepare the foods, set the table, and clean up together
      • Cook together with other family members 
      • Eating part of the meal together most days of the week is beneficial
      • Order-in if you don’t have time to cook 
      • Take the pressure off sometimes and enjoy family time together

    4.Get kids talking about their lives 

    • Talk about the high’s and low’s of the week and the high’s and low’s of the day 
    • Other games that you can play 

    Helpful Links
    Join Group Coaching: Journey to Food Freedom here
    Get my favorite 10-minute meal ideas here
    More information about From Emotiona