Family-Friendly Meals
Benefits of Eating Together as a Family
Prioritizing family mealtime can improve the physical, emotional and social well-being of family members while fostering a supportive family environment. In addition to providing quality time, eating together allows you to do the following.
- Promote healthy eating habits by including a variety of nutritious foods
- Manage your budget by cooking cost-effective meals at home
- Involve your children in the meal prep processing, increasing their changes of trying new foods
- Provide an opportunity for family members to share thoughts, feelings or details about their day
Making Time for Family Meals
Yet, with busy schedules, finding time for family meals can be challenging. We have a few tips if your schedule does not allow for regular family dinner together.
- If your family can’t eat dinner together every night, aim for three times a week for starters and adjust as needed.
- Is dinnertime too challenging with activities and work? Try hosting a quick family snack time for 10-15 mins instead.
- If none of this sounds doable for your family, try picking one day of the week to eat breakfast together.
The number of days that you are able to eat together is less important than the quality of your time spent together. Regardless of how often you eat meals together, it is important that you be fully present (hint, hint - no screens at the table).
Meal Ideas
Whether you are on a budget, have picky eaters or are looking for healthier options, below are a few meal suggestions.
- On a Budget
- For Picky Eaters
- Healthier Options
No matter what you choose to eat or how often, focus on being consistent and present. Enjoy this time together!