Diet to suit the whole family

  • Hi,

    I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on a diet which would suit the whole family? I would like to lose a couple of stone and just generally start eating healthier. I have followed a few diets such as the south beach diet and atkins which went okay for me but found it hard to make my meals then something different for the rest of the family. I was thinking of maybe starting Slimming World. If anyone has any ideas or any diets that have worked best with them and their family it would be much appreciated!

    Thanks
  • Ever looked into the paleo-diet? It could be something you can have your whole family slowly convert to. I've heard some incredible benefits to living the lifestyle. Basically (from my understanding) you just go low/no-carb/starch and high protein and veg (though some claim corn and potatoes are excluded since they are mainly starch.) Its supposed to replicate ancient man's diet.
  • I'm doing slimming world and it is perfect for the whole family. I dont have to alter anything for my husband and sons. Each meal is made up of 1/3 fruit and veg, the rest is lean protein and healthy whole grains. I'm losing weight and my husband and kids dont even notice they are having a "slimmers" meal.
  • Weight watchers. I cook the same stuff for both my boyfriend and i and he constantly says that i don't eat like i'm on a diet. he's right too! I eat like i'm on a healthy eatting plan. everything can be had in moderation so you don't feel like you're missing out on anything.

    Best of luck with whatever you chose. x
  • I'd suggest plain ole calorie counting, or weight watchers. That way you can cook meals for the family and eat within your point totals without restricting what the kids are eating, too.
  • I agree with Mindi. I live with my family, and I just figure whatever the calories are for our (sometimes luxurious) suppers and I control for my portion size. They eat a lot and I eat a little, but at least no one had to cook an additional meal.
  • Don't you feed your family a healthy diet now? They deserve it as well as you.
  • I agree with weight watchers. I don't have to cook anything different for my son and BF....I just watch portions (and points).

    Same can apply to simple calorie counting too though (as others have mentioned)

    Good luck!
  • What are you currently feeding your family? You can make the same meals, but a lot more nutritious by tweaking them a little.
  • What I do is skip breakfast, have a light lunch/or no lunch and then save myself for a massive dinner (cals in check) so you don't have to make separate dinner for yourself!

    Eating within a 5 hour window or Intermittant fasting - check out the ESE forum 'eat stop eat'. It really helps towards fat loss as your body will start to use its fat stores for energy when you are in a fasted state.

    hope this helps!
  • The most basic is calorie counting (or weight watchers). Everything is assigned a number, and you just eat the appropriate amount everyday. Have you tried looking at healthy cooking websites?

    If you're not sure how to make any meal healthy, check these for ideas and counts:
    www.skinnytaste.com
    www.cookinglight.com
    www.eatingwell.com
    www.eatbetteramerica.com
  • Another vote for calorie counting! I eat the same as my husband and kids, just different portions, and some substitutions occasionally. My snacks are sometimes different, but my kids are great veggie and fruit eaters. The sites Munchy suggested are great, do check them out!