Pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes involves the whole family even if just one member has been diagnosed. That’s because pre-diabetes and diabetes are best managed when the entire household commits to making a series of small changes. Overtime these changes can have a big impact on everyone’s health.

Check out this segment I filmed for CBS to learn a small step to better health–the family mealtime makeover.

Here is another of my favorite easy mealtime makeover tricks: set up a Self-Serve Soup Station.
Heat up chicken, beef or vegetable broth (try to get a broth that is reduced in sodium). While the broth is getting hot, set out bowls or platters of add-in choices from the following 4 categories: veggies, whole grains, healthy proteins, flavor boosters. Each person selects their favorites from the add-in choices and then the hot broth is poured over them and soup is served.

Try these easy choices for the add-ins but feel free to get creative and include kids and your spouse when selecting and preparing your Self-Serve Soup Station.

Veggies: finely shredded carrots or cabbage, baby spinach, diced tomatoes
Whole Grains: leftover cooked brown rice, quinoa or barley, corn kernels
Healthy Proteins: leftover chicken, cooked shrimp, cooked beans including edamame (fresh soy beans)
Flavor Boosters: chopped herbs such as parsley, cilantro, basil, hot sauce, balsamic vinegar

A big bowl of soup can be a meal all by itself or use it as the first course before a less-than-ideal dinner. Filling up on the healthy soup first can help everyone eat less of a calorie, fat and carb-loaded main course. #eatsoup #stayhealthy #familyfun