How to Adapt Meals for The Family

If your family is anything like mine not everyone enjoys the same meals.

Having to cook more than one recipe is time-consuming, costly and stressful. Many of my clients say that finding something that works for everyone is one reason why they resort to processed or takeaway foods.

An important part of my nutrition advice is making sure that you are able to implement the nutrition protocols that I recommend. This means that the meals and snacks have to fit in with your lifestyle and with your family!

Here are a few ideas that will help to keep everyone happy and nourished!

Make a list

Write a big list of every recipe that you make and ask everyone to tick their favourites.

Plan

Involved the family in the meal planning process. Use the list that you have made to slot in meals for the week and get people to choose a night to either cook or help you in the kitchen.

Batch Cook

Once you know the meals everyone loves - batch cook the recipes. Meals from the freezer are an easy option on the nights that you are too tired or don’t have the time to cook from scratch.

Swap the Protein

Someone doesn’t like fish / chicken / tofu / red meat?

Traybakes – start with your base of vegetables, add flavours (spices herbs garlic etc.) and cook then the protein on a separate tray 

Bolognaise -  make the basic tomato sauce then split into two pans. Add lamb  / beef mince to one pan and cubed chicken or beans and lentil to the other

Curry – make your spicy base sauce, split into two and add chicken to one pan, tofu or chickpeas to the other

Chilli – make your base, split into two add red meat to one pan and extra beans to the other

Fajitas – roast the peppers, onions, spices etc. and let everyone choose their extras, chicken, beef, black beans, avocado, halloumi cheese

Reduce The Carbs

If you are trying to minimise your starchy carbohydrates but your partner loves potatoes or pasta don’t just remove the carbohydrate from your plate or your meal will look sad! Swap for extra vegetables like roasted cauliflower and broccoli or add some white beans or chickpeas.

Vegetable Haters

Make vegetables taste great! Hide in sauces or stews, roast them with herbs and spices or stir fry with different flavours! 

If these tips have been helpful let me know if you would like some nutrition advice just drop me a line!