There are myriad reasons why eating dinner together as a family is important. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, kids who dine with their parents eat healthier meals and are less likely to use drugs or acquire eating disorders. With crammed schedules and hectic lifestyles, though, finding time to prepare and sit down to dinner together every night may seem like a pipe dream. Planning a weekly menu can help you shop ahead and be prepared for the week's meals.
Step 1
Discuss options as a family. The Clark County, Washington Public Health Department recommends holding a family meeting to discuss meal planning. Ask for input on favorite dishes in addition to foods that should be avoided if possible. Talk about what time would be best to eat dinner at for everyone's schedules as well.
Step 2
Create a list of what ingredients you have on hand. Jot down pantry ingredients that you might be able to use in a recipe, such as cream soups, pasta or rice. Also include items in your refrigerator and freezer, such as meats, cheese and eggs. These can prompt menu ideas and will help when it is time to go grocery shopping as well.
Step 3
Seek out recipe ideas. The Mayo Clinic suggests thumbing through cookbooks or browsing websites for recipe ideas as well as scanning grocery store advertisements or coupons for menu possibilities. Ask friends and family members for their favorite dinner recipes, as well, particularly those that are quick and easy to make on busy weeknights.
Step 4
Plan well-balanced meals. Refer to the USDA Food Pyramid when planning your menu. Include whole grains, produce, calcium-rich foods such as milk or cheese, a protein, such as meat or beans, and limited fats or oils in every meal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends aiming for a colorful plate loaded with healthful vegetables, lean meats or other protein sources, and whole grains in rich colors, such as brown rice or red quinoa.
Step 5
Author a weekly menu. Post the menu for each day of the week on a wall calendar, chalkboard or dry erase board in the kitchen. Check the menu every evening for the next day's dinner so that you can plan ahead by taking food out to thaw, for example, or making a note to stop at the store the next day.
Tips and Warnings
- Get your whole family involved in making dinner a priority. Enlist your kids and spouse to help with shopping, preparation and cleanup.
Things You'll Need
- Notepad
- Pen or pencil
- Calendar, dry erase board or chalkboard
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