Fatherhood, food and healthy habits

Fatherhood looks different for every dad, or type of father figure out there. Whether navigating life with a newborn, or fur-baby, balancing the needs of a growing family, or guiding teenagers towards good choices, healthy habits often come down to the small things: sharing nutritious meals, getting outdoors and making time to connect.

This Father's Day, we’re introducing you to three Sanitarium dads who share the routines helping them support their families' health and wellbeing.

Making family time count

For James, Commercial Business Partner in our New Zealand head office, healthy habits are about creating opportunities to connect.

"We have been working hard on making mealtimes TV-free times to enjoy quality time around the dinner table, especially now Edward is better at sharing stories about his day at preschool."

With four-year-old Edward and six-month-old Rebecca at home, family life is full, but James and his wife make healthy eating fun wherever they can. One winning strategy is smoothies packed with nutritious ingredients.

"We have lots of smoothies with bananas, blueberries, honey, Weet-Bix™ and So Good™ Oat Milk, with the occasional vegetable thrown in, like spinach or broccoli. Generally, if it's in a drinkable format, Edward will consume most things."

Check out our carrot cake smoothie recipe here.

When life gets busy, the family prioritises movement together.

"We enjoy going on walks as a family, especially on weekends. It could be down the road to the playground, the Auckland Botanic Gardens or out in the Waitākere Ranges for a bush walk. It's a good opportunity to relax, be present and enjoy watching the kids explore the world."

James with his two young children on a family walk.

Finding balance in the newborn stage

For new dad Josh, in our Australian So Good brand team, the arrival of his son Myles has reinforced just how important good nutrition can be.

"Noticing the days where I may not be fuelled properly compared to the days where I am has really highlighted the importance of nutrition, particularly running on less sleep than before Myles came along."

One simple habit helping Josh and his wife stay well is getting outside every day.

"We try to get out every day and get moving, usually just a walk or cafe run. It's small but makes a difference."

Meal preparation has also become a valuable tool.

"We're trying to eat 'real' food as much as we can. We've been meal prepping so it's easy to heat up something nutritious when we're busy. The slow cooker has been working overtime because it's easy to throw in lots of vegetables and protein. This Massaman curry recipe is a favourite."

Josh with baby Myles.

Leading by example

For Marcus, from our Australian Head Office Engineering team, fatherhood has shaped the way he thinks about long-term health and the example he sets for his children, Grace (14), Levi (12) and Ava (10).

"I started cycling to work, which I try to do at least once a week. I did this to try and keep healthy for my future years. My son saw me cycling and then he started cycling to school as well."

At home, Marcus and his partner place a high value on rest.

"Sleep quality is a big one for us. We go to sleep early to get a good night's rest. A good night'ssleep sets us up for a good day the next day."

See our tips for better sleep here.

When it comes to busy weeknights, simple meals often work best.

"We enjoy lean protein with rice and boiled broccoli and cauliflower with baked potatoes. You can't go past baked potatoes! We also like spinach-filled pasta – it's a great way to boost ourveggie intake."

Like many parents, Marcus faces the challenge of helping children make healthy food choices.

"Like most kids, they do love sweet treats! We constantly talk to them about making better decisions about what they choose to eat. Like eating a bit of fruit instead."

See our tips to get your fussy eaters eating more veggies here.

Marcus with his three children.

Small habits, lasting impact

While their families are different, all three dads agree that healthy family habits don't need to be complicated. Whether it's sharing distraction-free meals, taking a family walk, getting enough sleep or stocking the freezer with nutritious meal-prep favourites, small everyday actions can help create a positive foundation for health and wellbeing.

How will you spoil your dad (or father figure) this Father's Day?

Why not surprise him with a delicious breakfast? Better still, one you can prepare the night before!

This Father's Day, gift yourself (and the special dad in your life!) a little extra time in the morning with our no-fuss, all-flavour overnight Weet-Bix™ recipes that the whole family can help prepare. Whether he's a chocolate lover, a high-protein kind of guy or someone who likes a little adventure in his breakfast bowl, there's a creamy, crunchy or crumbly recipe to suit
every type of father-figure.

And the best part? These make-ahead breakfasts are packed with flavour and rich in iron and fibre, thanks to the goodness of Weet-Bix. With seven delicious recipes to choose from, you're bound to make his day!

Explore our overnight Weet-Bix recipes here.