Family-Friendly Lunches

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-03-2006
Family-Friendly Lunches
Sat, 03-08-2008 - 12:14pm
Daily Dish
Family-Friendly Lunches
Whether or not your family members are following the South Beach Diet along with you, you can succeed at meeting your goals while also meeting your family's food needs — without doing double duty in the kitchen! With a little forethought, you can purchase and prepare South Beach Diet-friendly foods the whole family will enjoy. And as a side benefit, your loved ones will enjoy better health as you lose weight and become more vital. Just keep these guidelines in mind when preparing family lunches:

  • Go for whole-grain breads. Keep your cupboards stocked with different kinds of whole-grain breads: Whole-wheat sliced bread, whole-wheat pita bread, and whole-grain tortillas are some family-friendly varieties to choose from. South Beach Diet-style: Enjoy whole-grain breads beginning in Phase 2.
  • Enjoy lean deli meats. Choose lean deli meats like turkey breast, chicken breast, and ham. Make sure you select varieties without added sugars (for instance, avoid honey-baked ham), and serve deli meats with South Beach Diet-approved condiments like Dijon mustard and mayonnaise. South Beach Diet-style: Forgo the sandwich bread and opt for a roll-up if you're in Phase 1. In Phases 2 and 3, use the whole-grain options listed above.
  • Serve salads. Make hearty, family-worthy Cobb or chef-style salads with dark leafy greens, tomatoes, avocados, turkey bacon, and lean deli meats. South Beach Diet-style: Select a commercial salad dressing with less than 3 grams of sugar per 2-tablespoon serving, or create your own dressing using extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, lemon or lime juice, garlic, and fresh herbs.
  • Consider bean-based soups. Lentil, split pea, and black bean soups are nutrient-dense, fiber-rich choices that will satisfy the entire family. South Beach Diet-style: Opt for vegetable-, bean-, or broth-based soups over creamy soups that are high in saturated fat. Avoid soups that contain refined carbs (like white rice or pasta), and instead concoct a homemade version using the whole-grain equivalents.

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