We want our children to be involved and active, but activities sometimes interfere with family mealtime. It is important to make the effort to have meals together as a family. Family meals are associated with higher diet quality, better school achievement, and fewer risky behaviors. Here are some tips that will help you put a healthy meal on the table in a short amount of time:
• Put a complete meal in the slow cooker before you leave the house in the morning. Meats have a little more flavor if you brown them first.
• Cook extra food on the weekends that can be used for ”planned-overs.” For example, you can roast a chicken (or two), serve part of it immediately, and use the rest to make a chicken casserole that can be heated in the microwave or oven on a busy weeknight.
• Add a salad, fruit, and milk to “planned-overs” for a complete meal. Salads can be made ahead of time.
• Add meat or beans to a salad for a protein source, and serve with bread or cornbread for a quick, filling dinner.
• Plan meals ahead of time so that the challenge of deciding what to eat isn’t left until the last minute and so that you have the necessary ingredients on hand.
• When all else fails, add a salad, fruit, and milk to already prepared food purchased from a deli, grocery store, or fast food restaurant to make a nutritious meal.

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