What do you consider to be a healthy dinner?

[NHdisneylover]

Okay, I'm going to go a little off topic here but I want to ask a question to those who really do practice healthy eating.

I always used to be a VERY healthy eater. Lots of fruits and veggies. Well, the quality of produce has gotten so bad over, I'd say, the last 5 years, that I hardly eat any now. I know it's bad, I know I should try, but it tastes TERRIBLE. This was the first year that I actually was unable to purchase one mango. They were like rocks all year. There were two weeks out of the year that I purchased asparagus because it was local and delicious. The rest of the stuff is mainly shipped in from Peru and it's bitter (at least to me). I"m so sick of broccoli and cauliflower which are my old reliables, and even the broccoli has lost flavor and starts to rot in my veggie bin within the week. I'm sick of the bagged baby carrots that are now always having a white film on them even when you cook them (they never used to).

Don't even get me started on the fruit. The only safe fruit is bananas.

I'm really at a loss for how to handle this. Growing up on fresh veggies has made it VERY hard for me to eat frozen.

Has anyone noticed the decline in produce. Even at my farmer's market, I'm not impressed. I know that I am being picky because people around me just eat it and never seem to notice the difference.

Do you have local harvest in your area? We used to get a share very year in New Hampshire. Each week you go and pick up a box of fresh vegies, fruit and herbs all grown locally (and generally organically). You will get wahtever is in season and good (varies considerably--you may get a few limited choices on some weeks, such as either spinach or butter lettuce). Everythign was always wonderful and it really encouraged us to try new things because we had them whether we were going to eat them or not
Of course, in the climate you live you could also have your own garden if you are so inclined (me, I have no green thumb at all)
I don't know what the US is doing to produce, but even my kids ocmmented almost immediatly that all the produce here tastes so much better.

 

[honugirl]

For me, healthy eating is more about portion size than anything else. At this point, I do not restrict anything. I battle nausea almost constantly, so I eat what I want based on what sounds/smells/tastes good at any given time.

I try to include a fruit or veggie at every meal, usually it's more fruit though 'cause I hate 95% of veggies. They taste NASTY!!!!! Even ones from the Farmer's Market. Some sort of protein, generally chicken or beef. I can't stand pork or most fish. I do a lot of dairy because I'm at high risk for osteoporosis.

If I eat out, I usually get a kids meal and I generally get the fruit and a milk.

I've switched to doing a lot more water or unsweetened ice tea.

It's not perfect, but at this point, I'm not gaining which for me, is HUGE due to my medical issues. Realistically, it's almost impossible for me to lose weight so I aim more to get basic nutrients. I do supplement as well because I have days where I can't eat.

 

[NMAmy]

My experience has been that the older folks (age 70ish and older) are some of the worst offenders. They tend to eat the meals full of chicken friend steak, fried chicken and everything is covered in gravy. Every meal usually ends with a dessert. My mother-in-law doesn't think she has eaten a complete meal unless she uses a stick of butter.

My mom is the butter queen. But, you know what? She's 76 and takes care of her health. The way she looks at it--she's not going to live forever and she might as well enjoy what she's eating. She doesn't fry a lot of stuff but she does make great gravy.

And for all of you who are giving my beloved tuna casserole a bad name--I make a slightly healthier version by making my own white sauce and using fresh mushrooms and red peppers, whole wheat pasta, and albacore tuna. I'm the only one in my house who likes tuna casserole so we only have it about once a year and it's delicious.

Christine--I'm sorry you're having such a hard time finding tasty fruits and veggies. I've had great luck with our local farmers market and my mom has a friend who owns a farm. I've got 15 lbs of blueberries in my freezer and a 5 lb box of apples from the farm. I also freeze some green beans to get me through the winters. My mom cans tomatoes, thank heavens, because I don't have the patience. I wish I could freeze those, too. I love this time of year because we do have an abundance of yummy fruits and veggies--beets and beet greens are one of my favorites and we've been eating them several times a week.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I love this time of year because we do have an abundance of yummy fruits and veggies--beets and beet greens are one of my favorites and we've been eating them several times a week.

I'm so jealous. I LOVE beets but they're so expensive for some reason here. I'm thinking I might try to grow some next year. I've never met a vegetable I didn't like (I do think the quality is a lot better from a farmer's market but I still have had over/under ripe produce from them as well). I'm not a huge fan of fruit but I go through spurts of really wanting a banana or pineapple.

 

[xoprincessmomxo]

My MIL this weekend proceeded to tell me how we ruined our garden by putting Miracle Grow on it and how she would never eat anything not organic again, all while....


smoking a cigarette!

I'll take my Miracle Grow poisoned heirloom tomatoes over her Camel any day.

 

[bgirldeb]

Most anything in moderation is healthy - with "moderation" being the key word.. Eating at McDonald's every day would not be in "moderation"..

However, eating what some people consider "junk food" once a week or so is not going to put anyone in their grave sooner - providing they don't have dietary restrictions for health-related problems (diabetes; heart problems; etc.)..

As long as you incorporate all of the food groups into your diet, there's no need to drive yourself crazy trying to make sure that every single morsel of food you put in your mouth is considered "healthy"..

Moderation - plain and simple..

Well said!

 

[barrett7890]

My kids eat "okay" as far as vegetables go, they both have different veggies they will or won't eat. I would love any suggestions about hiding veggies in meals!

just wanted to answer this.

My daughter is 2 and will eat ANY fruit that you put in front of her....always has.

However, as far a veg goes it's steamed peas,beans or brocolli only.

UNLESS it's in homemade soup and then she will eat anything! provided it's been pureed and she doesn't get the texture of the veg she doesn't like to eat. For example, she wont eat carrots, but make a big pot of carrot soup and she'll eat 2 bowls at a sitting no problem. I don't hide the fact that it's carrots, she knows what goes into her food, but as long as it has soup in the title she'll eat it

cami
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