Don’t be a zealot. You have become enthusiastic about your new way of eating and living, but your family may be a bit more skeptical. If you encounter resistance from other members of your family, go slowly. Drop the subject and avoid discussions that criticize the food habits of others. Your ultimate aim will still be to convert your family, but try to do it gradually, tactfully, and even subtly.
Introduce new items in small amounts. Sneak some healthy ingredients into soups, baked goods and other dishes in small amounts and don’t mention it. As time goes by, you may be able to increase the amount. Or, if you are switching from white bread to whole grain, at first use unbleached flour, which won’t taste any different from the bleached stuff. Then begin to add small amounts of whole-grain flours, and reduce the unbleached flour by the same quantity. As you continue, you may reach a point at which your family will accept a bread made with a far greater amount of whole-grain than unbleached four – provided you do it gradually.
When you introduce a new item, do it subtly. When you put sprouts on the salad, do not announce it with fanfare. If you are questioned, speak enthusiastically about the crisp texture or the sprightly flavor of the sprouts, but refrain from mentioning their vitamin content.
Don’t join the eat-it-because-it’s-so-good-for-you school. This tactic will snuff out any spark of interest pronto.
Have the family, especially young children, help prepare the meal. They are more apt to taste and like foods that they have helped to prepare.
Provide good substitutes. If a filled candy dish has usually been around, replace it with a large bowl of tempting fresh fruit. Dehydrated fruit (look for sulfide-free) are also a great alternative to candy with much more flavor! If soft drinks have been accessible in the refrigerator, substitute some bottles of unsweetened apple juice and water.
Let your appearance and vitality convince other member of your family that natural foods are worth trying. When your eyes sparkle, your hair shines, your skin glows, and your mental alertness and energy are obvious, your family will take note. Be prepared to answer questions, but wait until the question are asked and deal with them casually. Before you know it, those who began skeptically and scornfully may outstrip you in their own enthusiasm!