How to Talk to Your Family About Healthy Eating

I always say your actions are the best way to share a powerful message. We can’t usually teach people through words, but our positive momentum is a game changer, especially when it comes to family. It's funny how that works. You can be the greatest expert in your field, but your kids and spouse will doubt you. This is why we teach with actions and love, not words. 

Here’s what I mean. You know you’ve tried getting your kids, spouse, siblings, and friends on board with CCN. At least most of us have tried and failed. This is because they need to see the difference. They need to notice the changes before they’re intrigued. I’m not saying I don’t put a bug in their ear but don’t let their negativity towards change deter you from becoming the person you’re supposed to be. 

They notice…

-the better moods

-the more sustained energy

-the glow of your skin

-the less irritability

-Better skin and hair

They truly notice the difference!

Next… the more we expose them to it, the more interested they become.

Maybe they’ll mention they would like to try it. Try not to make a big deal out of this. Let them come at their own pace with loving and open arms. With that said, be sure you’re honest and open with them on why you’re choosing these meals and what difference they make in your life. Be honest with them about the ingredients and the flavor they add to the meal, naturally. Have them look up the complex nature of the foods, herbs, and spices you add. If they’re athletes, it might intrigue them that turmeric works to decrease inflammation, but it also needs to be activated by the curcumin found in black pepper. We don't have to be chemistry teachers to help them understand the powerful nature of our chosen foods!

Use your words to describe how you’re feeling better. They don’t always need to know why you started, but it’s important for them to know why you will keep going. Use phrases like, “I feel so much better when I have my morning smoothie or power bowl at lunch. We are fortunate to have access to these amazing foods.” It’s crucial to maintain a positive outlook and not demonize any foods, even Halloween candy! Keep the conversation around food and health positive and encouraging. 

And then, every day, remind yourself why you started this journey. Was it to set a better example for those around you? To reduce inflammation or feel more energy? Or simply because you knew you deserved better? Regardless of who supports you, remember, this is about being the best version of yourself and maintaining your health. We may not be able to control others, but we can always control ourselves, our actions, and our reactions. You have the power to make a difference in your life, and the CCN community is here to support you, even if nobody else does. 

Here are a few more kid-specific tips:

• Food is fuel, and the wrong fuel can lead to disaster. Educate your child on “why” certain foods can be helpful or harmful to their body. Use examples such as cars needing proper gasoline to run efficiently, carrots helping us see, avocados helping our brains, etc.

• Be careful about the language you use surrounding food. Don’t label foods as “good” or “bad”; foods do not have inherent moral value, which may place a stigma around certain foods and your child’s relationship with them.  When you describe foods, talk more descriptively (texture, color, flavor) rather than about preferences or any type of “dieting” lingo.

• It’s the parent’s job to decide what food is offered. The child’s job is to decide what and how much to eat.  Make the same meal for everyone instead of playing short-order cook. It is up to you to set expectations for what is offered, how it is prepared, variety, etc. 

• Keep trying over and over again. Did you know it can take children over 40 exposures to a flavor/texture to decide whether or not they like it? So if you offer once and they don’t like it, make sure not to label it as out of the question. 

• Keep it the same, add something new – When introducing a new flavor, always include it with familiar foods. For example, if you put steamed broccoli (a new item) on their plate, pair it with chicken, oranges, whole wheat bread, and yogurt (all foods they have had before).  

• Look at your child’s diet as a seven-day span rather than a 24-hour period. For example, if your child ate only crackers today but vegged out on cucumbers, avocado, and chicken the next day, then his/her diet is still balanced. 

• Don’t ban sweets/sugar, but set realistic boundaries for when and how they can enjoy these “sometimes” types of foods.

Looking for more tips and tricks for feeding your kids?

We’ve taken food you’re probably already serving to your child regularly and given it our “CCN” spin inside our CCN Balanced Kid Meal Plan. And because you’re a Substack subscriber, use the code SUBSTACK10 for $10 off!

Here's what you'll get inside the plan:

• 30-Day CCN Balanced Kid Meal Program (Value $149)

• 50 Kid-Friendly Recipes that follow the CCN guidelines

• Food exchange list & other important references

• Meal prep guide

• ​Tips & guidelines for feeding kids

• 5 Colors a day “eat a rainbow” chart​

• Tips regarding food for active kids (sports, game day & pratices)

• How to talk about weight & body image with your kids

PLUS THESE BONUSES

• BONUS ONE: Back to School Lunch Guide

  Back to school means the tedious chore of packing lunches. Let’s make this task easier and more fun for all involved!

• BONUS TWO: Lifetime Access to the Balanced Kid Learning Platform

  Receive lifetime access to all this amazing content in one place! Refer back to the materials as often as you like, knowing it's neatly organized and in one place!

Just a few things you'll find inside the CCN Balanced Kid Meal Plan: corn dog muffins, grilled cheese kabobs, pink starburst smoothie, and monster cookie bars.

We firmly believe that “good for you” food should also taste good – and that goes for our kids too!