WHEN was the last time that you sat down for a meal together as a family?
In these times where everyone always seems to be very busy and going in different directions, rounding up the members of your family to eat together is something that most very seldom enjoy.
Waking up and rushing to work or school or other activities without having breakfast at home is becoming a common practice and more people are joining this group.
People usually grab something to eat on the way to work but some families are still finding time to eat together even if it’s only during dinner or on weekends.
Mealtimes play an important role in the well-being of families and in social and nutritional development.
You don’t have to prepare a complicated and fancy meal to get the family to eat together but just go for something nutritious and tasty that you all can share. Eating together also gives you the chance to strengthen the family interaction and bonding.
Numerous studies show that eating together as a family can help children develop healthy eating habits.
It may not be that easy to set a regular schedule for a family mealtime and all of you may have to set and follow a few ground rules, wrestle with different schedules and make necessary adjustments but once the idea that “the family that eats together gets healthy together” sinks in, you will find that eating together has more advantages.
Healthy Recipes from CREES
Here is another recipe from the NMC-CREES Family and Consumer Sciences Programs.
Primavera Chicken
Ingredients
½ pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch squares
1 tablespoon oil
1 can (14 ½ ounce) Italian-style tomatoes
1 can mixed vegetables, drained
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups freshly cooked spaghetti
Directions
1. In a medium skillet, sauté chicken slowly in oil.
2. Add tomatoes, mixed vegetables and seasonings.
3. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Pour over cooked spaghetti and serve.
Watch this section for more healthy recipes. For more tips to develop a healthy eating habit you can sign up for the free food nutrition and education. Call Rose or Jon at 234-5498 ext. 1703 or 1726.
