The Family Meal

The family meal has suffered in the changing family environment.
Moms and Dads are both working and a large portion of homes are
single parent homes. This disturbing trend may be a joy to
take-out restaurants but it has detrimental effects to the
family and children. 

Studies have shown that childhood obesity, drug use, alcohol
consumption and cigarette smoking are lower in children who eat
dinner with the family. 

It can be hard to fit in a home cooked meal when schedules get
busy. The children have busy schedules with sports and friends
and parents are working longer hours. There are a few things
that can be done to assist in making family meals easier to
accomplish.

First pull out that old crock pot. It can be used for the old
stand by such as pot roast but it can also be used for crock pot
lasagna or macaroni and cheese. 

Go for the take out and bring it home. Stop into your family's
favorite restaurant and order dinner to go. Then when you get
home remove the food from the carry out boxes and serve on your
own plates. Sit down to a cooked nutritious meal that is served
at the dinner table on your own plates.

Finally when the family is truly busy order a pizza, wings and
dinner salad. Then bring this into the house and sit at the
table to eat. This is a new twist but it is much better for the
family to eat at the table than in front of the TV.