It's not always easy to get your family interested in weight loss and healthy eating. But, once you do get them involved they can be of great support to you when you are trying to lose weight.

Before starting on a new diet plan for your family, be sure that the diet that you create is appropriate for all family members. Your spouse will require different portion sizes than you do and children have different nutritional needs as well.

One of the best ways to start eating more healthy meals is to go through your pantry and refrigerator and get rid of all of the "junk" food like potato chips and ice cream. Then, go to the grocery store and stock up on more healthy foods like fresh vegetables and fruit, baked chips and low-fat desserts.

It will take a little bit of time for your family to get used to eating healthier foods -- especially if they're used to having McDonald's or Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner. Stick with it and they will soon like it even better!

Make a game of meal planning. Have each family member make suggestions for healthy dishes and choose main courses and desserts that fit together well. Include a vegetable and a salad and you have dinner. If a family member has a favorite high-calorie food, look for ways to lower the calories.

It can be a challenge to find healthy foods that the whole family will like. But, believe me, it will be worth the time and effort to find those that they will.

You can also let other family members plan and cook their own version of a healthy dinner. You might be surprised at the delicious meals that they come up with.

Teach your family about good nutrition. Show them the food pyramid and how it relates to portion sizes. It's best to start while your children are young, but it's never to late to eat healthy.

Getting your whole family involved in exercise is another good weight loss tactic. Instead of sitting around watching television, go outside and play in the snow, play tennis or go swimming. Even just going for a walk is a good family activity.

Another healthy plan for a family would be a camping and hiking vacation. Take along healthy foods for meals and snacks. Look for hiking trails that will be appropriate for the ages of your children.

When thinking of weight loss for your family, don't think of dieting; think of living a healthy lifestyle.