The benefits of family meals

5 steps to bring your family back to the table
To start creating a healthy mealtime environment in your family, simply take the following five baby steps toward health:

1. Grocery shop and prepare.
Every Sunday, visit your grocery store and purchase all the healthy items you need for the week such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads and pastas, eggs, milk, lean meat, low-fat cheeses and healthy snacks (e.g., nuts, seeds, baked nachos, dips, salsa, etc.). Preparing your food for the week -- making egg salad, cutting up vegetables, making a soup or stew or a fruit salad -- will help decrease mealtime preparation. (Click here for five fast dinner ideas.)

2. Get your kids involved.
Mealtime is a family affair that should involve every member. From grocery shopping to setting the table and clearing, everyone should have a job that is made fun.

3. Have a family game.
For example, each night, every family member gets to give their “high” from the day. In other words, each member will share the best event they feel took place in the day.

4. Invite your children to have their friends over to family mealtime.

5. Pick theme nights.
For example, if your kids love tacos, they will look forward to every Thursday night as “healthy taco night.” (Try one of Canadian Living's 17 different theme menus!)

As a mother of an active 20-month-old, I realize life is busy! Even though the pace can be hectic for all of us, some things are just worth making the time for. When I think back and daydream of days gone by in my younger years, coming together as a family and laughing and sharing at our kitchen table are some of my fondest memories. In a nutshell, a family that breaks bread together…stays together!

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