The Glycemic Index Diet for Dummies - Meri Raffetto [135]
Your spouse doesn't like many of the low-glycemic meals you're making. This challenge is a particularly tough one because you don't want to wind up preparing several different meals. Go over the low-glycemic food list with your spouse (you can even use Appendix A to get you started) and get a good understanding of what he or she likes and dislikes. Then find some quick ways to handle the situation without having to cook too much. My husband isn't a fan of brown rice (a lower-glycemic food). He prefers white rice (a high-glycemic food). Instead of forcing him to eat brown rice or setting myself back by eating white rice, I buy bags of precooked, frozen brown rice and white rice from the grocery store and just microwave the two different bags. It's easy forme, and we're both happy with our meal in the end.
When you engage in a little open conversation with your spouse, you can usually come up with solutions to challenges that make a low-glycemic diet a better fit in both of your lives. Sure, it may take a little trial and error, but you'll soon find a groove that works well for your family.
Developing healthy habits for your kids
Your kids develop their eating habits early on from you. When you set them up for making healthy choices at a young age, they won't have as many weight-loss and health struggles when they're older. Teaching your kids to eat a variety of foods that include the right balance of the healthy stuff and treats sets them up for success with
Childhood health
A healthy weight for their lifespan
Disease prevention
Better concentration in school
Improved problem-solving abilities in school
Enhanced endurance and energy for activities and sports
Lifelong healthy habits
Although having an open conversation with your spouse about the food changes you're making is great, don't overdo the low-glycemic diet talk with your kids. You can certainly educate them on healthy food choices, but the more you focus on diet lingo, the more resistance you're bound to encounter as your kids start to feel like they're following a special diet.
A great strategy for getting your kids to embrace a low-glycemic diet is to ask them what kinds of fruits and vegetables they like. Doing so helps them feel like they're part of the meal-planning process (or at least the grocery-shopping process). Also, almost all fruits and vegetables are low-glycemic, so you're giving your kids the freedom to choose their favorites while making sure everyone's sticking to the new low-glycemic lifestyle.
Avoid eliminating foods your kids are used to — unless of course you're willing to deal with potential temper tantrums (even all the way up to high-school age). A better approach with kids of any age is to come up with some healthier, low-glycemic options they may enjoy so you can make a child-approved swap.
Don't forget moderation when it comes to the higher-glycemic foods and treats your children enjoy. Finding that perfect balance will make your new lifestyle changes go over smoothly and help your kids develop healthy habits for a lifetime.
Tips for getting your kids to eat healthier foods
Parents really can help their kids eat better — whether they're following a low-glycemic diet or not — and the process doesn't have to be unpleasant. In fact, it can actually be a blast for you and your kids. Following are some tips for increasing your children's interest in healthy foods in a fun way:
Bring your kids grocery shopping occasionally. I know this idea may sound like a nightmare, but it can be beneficial at times. While you're in the produce section, let your kids pick out a new fruit or vegetable to try. Kids are more interested in trying new foods when they get to pick them out.
Prepare meals together. Let your children be a part of the meal-preparation process. Whether they mix something in a bowl or pour a sauce, they'll be happier to eat