Family Meals - Better
For Children, Easier For You
by Geoffrey Cook
Another day, another dinner to prepare. Are you having a difficult
time finding easy to prepare meals that can satisfy your growing
family?
You want to give your family the best, but time is in short supply and
preparing a healthy meal has become a chore. Too often take out or
frozen dinners have to do. Is there a way to combine healthy eating with
convenience?
Yes! New methods of cooking and easy to prepare staples can change your
eating habits and lead to a better eating style for your family.
According to the 'Kid's Health' Program created by the Nemours
Foundation, family meals are an important part of developing healthy
habits in your kids. Eating as a family will encourage your kids to eat
healthy foods like whole grains and vegetables. It will discourage
unhealthy snacking and even make them less likely to try smoking,
alcohol or marijuana.
But how do you plan healthy family meals on a tight schedule? Here are
some ideas to start:
Does your family love lasagna? Maybe you thought that it was a labor
intensive dish that just doesn't fit your lifestyle. Cheesy and full of
fat, perhaps it's not even a wise choice. However, lasagna is actually
one of the most versatile meals to prepare - and with instant (no boil)
noodles, it doesn't even have to be a big job.
There are lasagna recipes for vegetarians, low-carb, low-fat and even
diabetic diets. Lasagna noodles now come in instant, no-cook
preparations that cut time and energy when making this hearty dish.
For lasagna or other pasta dishes, try using whole wheat pasta and
shredding carrots or zucchini into the meat sauce for an easy way to up
the nutritional value. Using lean ground beef or even substituting with
ground turkey or chicken can make for a surprising, yet nourishing
result. Buy bottled pasta sauces for even faster preparation - many
grocers carry a wide assortment that will add variety to your dishes.
Looking for an elegant chicken dinner? Don't forget about frozen
skinless chicken breasts. Baked in the oven with a dollop of salsa and
shredded cheddar on top makes for a healthy alternative to frying or
heavy sauces.
Need ideas for a side dish? Why are you wasting time cutting and washing
lettuce when you can pick up a prepackaged bag at the grocers? Not to
say it's the cheapest method, but it definitely helps busy families put
nutrition ahead of convenience when planning a meal.
Have you ever tried steaming vegetables in the microwave? Fresh or
frozen veggies make for another easy side dish when they're popped into
the microwave for a few minutes. Add a couple tablespoons of water and
cover with a paper towel, an easy AND healthy alternative to frying or
boiling.
We're all concerned about our children eating healthier foods. Regular
family meals will encourage kids to develop healthy eating habits - an
important key to good health later in life. By making meal time less
stressful you can focus on the joys of spending time together instead of
the hassles of preparing meals.
About The Author: You too, can manoeuvre in the unfamiliar waters of
gourmet cuisine, with just a few well-learned techniques that are easy
to master, and build a repertoire of literally hundreds of dishes and
deserts. Let Geoffrey set you on the path today, to gastronomical
delights!
http://www.free-recipe-books.com
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