As we discover new nutrition information and educate ourselves on improving our health and wellness, it’s only natural to want to share what we learn with our family so they can benefit as well. It can be so exciting to attend a workshop or a series of whole health and nutrition programs where you learn so many exciting ways to get healthier. It’s understandable that you would then want to share this new information and get your loved ones to incorporate it into their lifestyle—likewise, it can be very disappointing when you experience resistance from them when you’re only trying to be helpful. By following some of the strategies below, you can learn to share information in a way that evokes a positive response from the important people in your life.
It’s a lot easier to get children to jump on board, since they are less jaded by all the health and nutrition information, often erroneous, that we are flooded with on the internet, in the media and beyond. One of the best ways to share with them is to get them involved with the process, such as inviting them to go shopping with you, come up with recipes, and help prepare the recipes. This will give them a sense of accomplishment and they will be more excited to eat something they helped create. An excellent resource for kid-friendly, nutrient-rich food recipes is The Weston A. Price Foundation.
Of course, you want to show the adults in your family love as well! Whenever you sense resistance or lack of interest on their end, here are a few tips to follow:
1. Never push the subject. Instead simply lead by example with a smile.
2. If you are bringing new food to the table, make sure that what you’re offering is much smaller in quantity then the food that he/she likes and is used to eating so that they don’t feel pressure to eat all of what you’ve prepared.
3. Always strive to avoid passing judgment, even when it’s difficult not to. Instead ask your loved ones to support you and help you achieve your goals and explain why it’s so important to you.
4. In time, your loved ones may get curious and want to seek out more information. Answer any questions they have, invite them to whole health and nutrition programs and seminars, and remember to always keep the love!
image: freshhealthyvending.com