One of the biggest things about starting a new eating journey is finding support, such as the Brand New ME Community. And while healthy eating support outside of the home is great, nothing is better than finding support under your own roof. After all, the people that you live with are likely the people that you eat with, the people that you share a kitchen with, and the people that you cook with. If you’re moving into a whole foods way of eating and everyone in your home is still eating the foods that you’re trying to avoid, it can be very hard for you to stick to your new healthy eating path. Not only is it simply a habit for you to eat the foods that you’re used to eating, but during the first days and weeks of change there are going to be cravings and temptations to 'fall off the healthy wagon', so to speak.
It takes 21-30 days to create a habit. This means that if you can stick with your whole foods path for 30 days then you’re much more likely to keep eating whole for a long time to come.
But how do you get your family on board with your whole food journey? How do you convince them that the best thing they can do to support you is to try eating this way too?
If you think that your loved ones would be open and receptive to going on this journey with you, then try sitting down and talking to them about it. Let them know what your plans are and be very clear about the things that they can expect. If you're the primary cook in your home, you can simply let them know that you will be cooking the foods that you’re now eating, and you’ll make enough for them but won't be making them anything that you’re no longer eating. This doesn't just encourage your family to try something new, but you’re also giving them the option of making their own foods, allowing them to feel like it is their choice whether they want to go on this journey with you.
If your family is still resistant it’s important to respect their feelings and let them know that you understand. One of the best ways that you can encourage others is through example, and once they are able to see the positive changes in your life they’re much more likely to want to make those positive changes themselves.
Remember, your whole food journey is your own; it is a personal experience for you. Take your time through this journey, listen to the messages that your body is sending you, and reach out for the support of others who have walked this path before you.