Make Dinner a Family Affair

Simple Ways to Get the Most
out of Family Meal Time

The time honored tradition of families enjoying a meal together at the dinner table is as important today as it was in past generations. Unfortunately, long work hours, youth activities, and an abundance of quick fast-food options, mean that fewer families are dining together at home.

The good news is, increasingly families are shifting their schedules and commitments to make family meals a priority. Experts point out that there are nutritional and relationship-building benefits for families who dine together - those who do, tend to eat healthier foods including more fruits and vegetables, and have more quality time together discussing daily events and important issues.

Here are some tips for making the most of family meal time:

• If your family rarely eats together, start by gradually adding family meals into your weekly schedule. Two or three per week is a good place to start. Shuffling priorities may take a little time for everyone to get used to, but if meals are pleasant and relaxing everyone will learn to value the time together.
• Family meals don't have to be complex or gourmet! Even order-in foods count as family meals when they're eaten together at the dinner table. Include salads and vegetables with meals. If there's no time to cook a vegetable dish, cut up fruit and vegetables with dip and serve as "appetizers."
• Get the family involved. Encourage kids to help prepare meals, set the table, even help shop for the foods they like.
• Try to make mealtime enjoyable for everyone by focusing on lighthearted or interesting topics . . . save the serious discussions or arguments for another time!
• Turn off the TV and save phone calls for later! Too many distractions take away from the meal and ultimately make you less engaged in the lives of the family members dining with you.

Remember, family time and good nutrition are what family meals are all about. If you'd like to learn more about nutritious eating at home -- or on the go -- check out the new guidelines from the USDA at www.choosemyplate.gov

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