Eating on the go is standard fare for families these days. Fast food options are plentiful and time is scarce. Creating healthy, fast family meals doesn't have to mean time and money spent. KidsHealth website reports that family meals are apt to be more nutritious and kids who eat regularly with their family don't snack on unhealthy foods. Kids who eat family meals regularly may also be more likely to eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains, all part of a well-balanced diet.
Benefits of Family Meals
CBS News reports that the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse conducted a survey regarding family meals. The survey found that the more often kids ate meals with their families, the less likely they were to smoke, drink and use drugs. Using family meal time to talk and discuss kids' lives while providing healthy, well- balanced meals is a way to increase communication, defend kids against drugs and alcohol and provide them with lifelong healthy eating habits.
Plan a Meal
With schedules running amok for kids and parents alike, planning a family meal may be the best way to accomplish the goal of sitting together and eating a well-balanced healthy meal. Choose a day and time that will work for everyone, then set about choosing a menu that is easy, well-balanced and appetizing.
Engage the Kids
Engaging the kids in planning, shopping and preparing the meal will give them an investment in the evening. Giving kids jobs such as setting the table, washing produce, mixing, stirring or reading directions will help them feel a part of the process, taking ownership and feeling good about the foods they eat. Assign a job that is age appropriate. KidsHealth website admits that involving younger kids may make for more work initially, but points out that the extra effort will be worth it.
Choose Meals with Few Ingredients
When it comes to healthy, savory meals, the cooking doesn't need to take all day. Choose menus that provide appetizing foods with fewer ingredients. Marinate a salmon fillet in fresh-squeezed lime juice before grilling, and add a cut up red pepper, green pepper and portabella mushrooms to the grill. Fresh-cut pineapple and mango are easy to prepare and may introduce a new fruit. Healthy doesn't need to mean extravagant.
Menu Ideas
Create a baked potato bar. Use broccoli, cheese , ground turkey and low-fat sour cream as toppings. Spaghetti sauce served over whole grain spaghetti pasta with a side of low-fat Caesar or garden salad is easy on a busy night. Have breakfast for dinner, creating specialty egg white omelets for each family member using fresh vegetables, low-fat cheese and lean ham as filling.
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