I want to live a healthier lifestyle but my family refuses. 

As a mother, father, head of household, you feel obligated to care for everyone. Often this makes healthy eating a challenge. The good news is that your taste buds recycle every 60 days so change is possible. The other good news is that when a person is hungry, they'll eat. This may sound “mean “ or harsh, but at the end of the day, your job is to ensure the health and well-being of these small humans in your care. Don't be afraid to help them to do what they need, not what they want. 

Start gradually. Avoid the temptation to announce, “We're going to start eating healthy!” That will be met with immediate resistance. Instead, start swapping like for…(kind of) like. Whole wheat instead of white, jam instead of syrup, yogurt instead of cream. They might notice, they might not. The key is to ease into it the same way you do with a toddler trying new foods. 

Make it fun! Encourage older children to participate in meal preparation. They will have pride in their creation and be more likely to eat it. Remember that fat, sodium and sugar add flavor. When reducing those, replace with other flavor like seasoning, garlic, onion, pepper. 

Have the, “Not a keeper” rule. Whenever I try a new recipe, I ask my children to eat it the first time. If they don't love it, they tell me “it's not a keeper” and I don't make it again. Then they feel like their option matters and they have input in our family meals.

Spouses, significant others, and partners can be their own special set of challenges. Just like with the kids, ask them to participate. Give them a voice, honor their preferences, but don't be afraid to tell them the truth. While all these things you love may taste great, they're not keeping you healthy. “I love you and would like to have you stick around for a long time”. Who can argue with that? 

There is an endless supply of ideas and recipes. Get creative, stay the course and you and your family will be better for it.