Bring your family to the table

Tuesday, time for Family


With all the after school activities our children can be involved in, it can be hard to get everyone together for a meal.  There is proven research that family mealtime is very important for the health and well being of your children.  It is a time to connect with one another and talk about everyone's day.
Below are tips that I found at WebMD.

10 Benefits of Family Dinners

Toting up all the benefits of frequent family dinners:

• Everyone eats healthier meals.
• Kids are less likely to become overweight or obese.
• Kids more likely to stay away from cigarettes.
• They're less likely to drink alcohol.
• They won't likely try marijuana.
• They're less likely to use illicit drugs.
• Friends won't likely abuse prescription drugs.
• School grades will be better.
• You and your kids will talk more.
• You'll be more likely to hear about a serious problem.
• Kids will feel like you're proud of them.
• There will be less stress and tension at home.

10 Tips for Organizing Family Dinners

Don't let this mission feel daunting! Even the simplest meals -- like order-in pizza -- qualify as family dinners. The goal is to get everyone to the dinner table and to spend quality time together - not to force Mom into June Cleaver or Carol Brady mode. Here are tips on pulling it off:

• Set a goal. Twice a week, perhaps? Build from there.
• Keep it simple. Family meals don't have to be elaborate. Work salads and vegetables into meals. Focus on familiar favorites, like chili or frittatas.
• Be prepared. Keep ingredients for healthful meals on hand, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Keep healthy 'appetizers' on hand. Stock the kitchen with fresh fruits, nuts, and low-fat cheese -- stuff the kids can snack on after school, instead of chips.
• Get the family involved. Let kids help prepare meals and set the table.
• Use the crock pot. Put everything together before leaving for work in the morning. You'll come home to the delicious smell of a cooked meal.
• Pick up take-out, order pizza, or eat out. It still counts as quality time spent together.
• Avoid portion distortion. Keep serving sizes under control, whether you're at home or eating out.
• Make it enjoyable. Leave the serious discussions for another time. Family meals are for nourishment, comfort, and support.
• Set the mood. Play soothing music. Put flowers on the table. Light a candle. Create a relaxing environment.

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