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