The Family Dietitian

Have you ever wondered why some families are more influential, productive and prosperous than others? Each family member seems to be confident, capable and personable. They prosper in whatever they set out to do. Often, the secret of their success is not a mystery. Very likely, the family has an excellent dietitian in charge of their daily food plan.

Historically, the family meal planner has been the wife and mother, but this is not always so. Circumstances, personal choices and busy lifestyles now often require that all members of the family must be involved in meal planning at some level. However, this may actually be a blessing. Every member of the family should have a basic knowledge of diet, food and health. Boys as well as girls should be trained in food preparation, sanitation and the general science of diet.

Ultimately, whomever has a leading role in the family's diet has a lofty responsibility. Very few of us fully appreciate the effect of diet on our success in life. Talent, wisdom and study is required to keep the members of our household properly nourished. The food choices we set before our children, right or wrong, are the choices they will almost certainly retain for life and pass along to their own children. In fact, many of the diseases passed from generation to generation may not be the result of heredity as much as the result of poor dietary habits. Likewise, health and vitality are passed along to succeeding generations through wise dietary practices.

Making wise dietary choices can be more challenging on a budget. The prudent planner will not skimp on food quality for the sake of saving a few pennies at the grocery store. Budgetary sacrifices can be made in other areas besides nutrient intake. A successful shopping trip is not based just on the quantity of food purchased but the balanced variety of foods chosen. The wise grocery shopper has learned the significance of simple food groups spending ample time in the fresh fruit and vegetable section selecting the choicest living foods and less time in the clean meat and canned food isles for example.

When planning a menu, the individual needs and tastes of each household resident are considered because each person may have differing reactions to various foods. Some may have allergies, a food intolerance or a lesser ability to metabolize some foods compared to others. The successful family dietitian sees cause and effect. The reactions of each family member to various foods are keenly observed. Those foods providing a positive stimulus are preserved while those with a detrimental effect are dropped from the menu.

Although seeming a thankless job, the family diet planner truly holds the most noble and important position in the household. The rewards for all the effort entailed is not always seen in the short term but is realized in the work and growth of a lifetime. The reward is sure to come. As a result of these efforts, the family becomes more closely knit and outwardly content. In the by and by, each person comes to realize the gratitude and esteem held within their heart for the family dietitian.