What happened to the good ol’ days when dad drove home at 5:30 and the family sat down for dinner by 6…together? Even when I was young that seemed to be a passing fad, now it’s nearly all but forgotten. I’m not trying to get all June Cleaver on you, but “Shame on us!” If we don’t use dinner as a time to get the family together, we’re really missing a great opportunity to connect with our kids and teach them important lessons like…healthy eating habits.

Remember, these guys aren’t looking for a gourmet meal,
just something to grow on!

Many of us shrug off home cooking, saying that we just don’t have time, but this is crucial to your family’s health. Even if you prepare something as simple as a burger and salad, when you make it yourself you can ensure that it’ll have less bad fat and sodium and more vitamins than you’ll get from a purchased meal or one from the frozen foods aisle. Buying lean cuts of meat, using monounsaturated fats from things like olive oil, and avocados and seasoning to taste with herbs and spices gives you more control over your family’s diet. Remember, these guys aren’t looking for a gourmet meal, just something to grow on!

Incorporate foods that are naturally beneficial and use the time to teach your kids about nutrition. If they see you eating appropriate portions of vitamin rich foods, they will be much more likely to create excellent eating habits of their own.

In my house, it’s the simpler the better. Green broccoli, O.K., Green herbs, bigtime “no way!” This doesn’t mean I forgo on flavor, but instead I season with subtlety for the kids and add on for us adults as necessary. Take a shot at these tasty little turkey tacos and you’ll see what I mean.