How can I make this work

[Gizlotsmum]

Bit of a random one. Trying to eat more together as a family however my husband needs to lose weight, my daughter needs to start being aware of how quickly she gains weight (she is not needing to lose weight just not gain) whereas me and my son could probably do with putting on weight. Is there any way of managing this without making it obvious to either child? I really need ideas. I am plant based but none of the others are, daughter doesn’t like a lot of meat, hubby needs to learn portion control but will snack if he feels he hasn’t had a big enough portion. Son can eat for England and never put on weight...partly because he never stops moving... am I asking the impossible?

Do you have a good portion of protein at every meal and have protein based snacks around?

If not I think that’s helpful for everyone. Am not advocating a low carb diet or anything, but plenty of protein keeps you full and blood sugar steady.

Extra good carbs abs fats for you and your son

Extra fibre-y veg (broccoli, carrots etc) for your husband and daughter as also filling.

You won’t be feeding them forever so I wouldn’t try to do this furtively. I would put your question to the family. As far as meals go you should be able to all eat the same healthy meal together. Then talk to your daughter about not eating calorific snacks unless she is very active ( use your son as an example). Your husband is an adult and responsible for this own decisions as are you. Then for your son I would suggest free access to healthy but calorific snacks ie homemade flapjacks.
At the end of the day though it is your job to provide healthy food and information not actually control what others put in their mouths.

@SnowmanDrinkingSnowballs

You won’t be feeding them forever so I wouldn’t try to do this furtively. I would put your question to the family. As far as meals go you should be able to all eat the same healthy meal together. Then talk to your daughter about not eating calorific snacks unless she is very active ( use your son as an example). Your husband is an adult and responsible for this own decisions as are you. Then for your son I would suggest free access to healthy but calorific snacks ie homemade flapjacks. At the end of the day though it is your job to provide healthy food and information not actually control what others put in their mouths.

I am worried daughter may think I am saying she is fat although I agree I should be open about what I am trying to do and I have mentioned potion control and eating more varied and healthier meals to everyone.(she isn’t, she has some very slim friends, I am also slim ) she is fairly active but lockdown has reduced that (not her choice). I think healthy snacks are the way to go. I do despair of my husband and can’t do much about it but if I am trying to provide food for everyone hopefully he will lose some weight without too much effort. Unfortunately my daughter has similar tastes and appetite to her father so I want to head off future problems without calling either of them fat (husband is in denial). Thank you for the ideas though. I should be able to make it work with different portions of carbs/protein/ veg on plate.