By Donna V. Scaglione
We all know eating out can be expensive, and we have less control over what we put in our mouths when we’re at our favorite eatery because we didn’t prepare the meal ourselves. Dining in and sharing meals with those we love is good for our wallets, and it’s good for families, research shows.
Studies published in two pediatric journals found that regular family meals resulted in better nutrition, less substance abuse, and fewer unhealthy weight-control practices among children. Eating at home more regularly may take some extra planning for those of us used to convenient, fast foods, but the payoff can be big.
1. Shop wisely
For optimum health, our bodies need a wide variety of nutrient-rich, whole foods full of vitamins, minerals, and protein from all the food groups. To find them, hit the four corners of your supermarket, says EatRight.org, the website for the American Dietetic Association: produce aisles for fruits and vegetables; the bakery for whole grains; lean proteins from the poultry/meat/fish department; and low-fat milk products from the dairy case. Steer clear of the aisles full of snack foods, heavily processed foods, and sodas, which mostly offer empty calories.
