Trying to plan healthy meals for a family can be frustrating with work, running here and there, and life in general. You end up eating out a lot. You grab what ever you can. After a few visits to the doctor, we got a lesson in healthy eating.

We should have a well balanced meal. I think we all know that. But actually doing that can be difficult and hard to think of when you sit down to do it. When you look some ideas up online, you get some wonderful menus and ideas but if you followed them you end up spending three or four times than you normally do. Can’t afford that in today’s economy.

The doctor stressed to always have a vegetable and a fruit at each meal. Sounds easy until you actually do it. Here is how we managed to do it.

Fruits – When going to the store we make sure that we buy the fresh fruit that is on sale and then buy several canned and frozen fruit for variety.

Vegetables – Buy the fresh veggies that are on sale and then head for the frozen section. Since frozen is supposed to be more healthy than canned, I go there first and find the specials before hitting the canned aisle.

Snacks – So that every single snack is not a fruit and veggie since they need variety, I look for cheeses, crackers, jell-o, muffins, popcorn, nuts, and so on. I try to make as much myself so that I know how they taste and can make sure what is in them.

Desserts – Don’t pull ALL the desserts away since total depravation can cause you to want it all the more and binge later on. I try to make as many as I can or buy ones that are more healthy for you while satisfying their sweet tooth. Sherbet, yogurt, smoothies, hot chocolate, and angel food cake with fruit is really great and my kids love it.

Breakfast

Omelet – Put in ham, bacon, or sausage for more protein. I then add cheese of various kinds. The veggies used can be asparagus, squash, zucchini, carrots, broccoli, and even tomatoes. Some of it might sound weird, but it is delicious. The children actually ask for this a few times a week.

French Toast – Doesn’t sound too healthy, but I give them one or two slices instead of their three or four. Add any fruit on the side and maybe some tomatoes.

Cereal – Just add some berries on it and some V-8 juice.

Burrito – Take a tortilla, put in scrambled eggs, sausage or bacon, cheese, and salsa. Put some fruit on the side.

Biscuit - Take a biscuit and add eggs, sausage, bacon, salsa, cream cheese, or anything else your kids come up with. Once again add a fruit beside their plate.

Lunch

Check out my Creative Brown Bag hub for lunch ideas that they will love.

Dinner

Whatever you fix, put you plate down and envision it segmented. Have one fourth of plate reserved for your meat or protein. Another fourth for a carb. The remaining half should be for the vegetable. If you choose a starchy veggie make sure that it only takes up only a quarter of the plate and have the rest for your non-starchy veggies. Have a fruit on the side and a healthy dessert waiting.

Your family will be healthier and happier.

Here are some other hubs that you might find interesting:

• Plan Your Meals and Save Money by TheWiseMountain
• Quick and Healthy Meals for your Child by fizz1803
• Creative Cheap Meals by Working Mom