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.