This week I did an interview for Telemundo Miami on the importance of family meals. The benefits from sitting down to meals as a family are so compelling that I hope  you think about making this a reality. Family meals have become a lost tradition in our culture. It is too easy to allow busy schedules to dictate our day, but making time for meals is definitely worth the effort. And even if you are a working mom, you can make this happen with my tips.

Family meals….

—Decrease teen risk of psychosocial problems– drug use, alcohol use, risky sexual behavior, suicidal intention and early sexual behavior.

—Allow kids to eat healthier and have better nutrition.

—Bring a sense of emotional connection among family members.

—That are no stress zones create a relaxed atmosphere for great conversation and catch up on daily activities.

—Provide a routine that help kids thrive.

—Increase the chance of kids getting their fruits and vegetable servings needed for healthy development.

—Are the single strongest predictor of better academic achievement (University of Michigan study).

So with all these incredible benefits, how can you make this happen?

1.Pre-plan for meals. This is the key. On the weekend, make up a menu and buy needed ingredients. Plan your daily meals.

2. Pull out that Crock-Pot that is located somewhere in a cupboard. The night before or early a.m., fill it with tasty ingredients, plug it in and simmer all day and come home to a home cooked meal.

3. Get on the net and find a number of 30 minute meal preparations. Rachel Ray and others have on-line recipes that are easy to make.

4. Cook meals on weekends and freeze them. Then you simply thaw the day you need the meal.

5. Accommodate schedules. When my kids were in ballet, soccer and other activities, I adjusted mealtime each night to fit the schedule. It can be done!

This one change in your family life can make a huge difference!

For more tips on how to raise healthy weight kids, click on the link to my book,  Raising Healthy Kids, winner of the Mom’s Choice Awards.