A new year often means aspirations of a new, fresh start. Many are beginning 2019 with hopes of being better than the year before, including making healthier choices for their families and themselves. Sitting down as a family to share a meal is a great place to start. Busy schedules and overwhelming “To Do” lists may make family meals (let alone home-cooked, nutritious meals) seem impossible. This is where that crockpot or slow cooker you received as a holiday gift comes in handy.

Families who take time to plan and prepare their meals are likely eating foods that are more nutritious than fast food and restaurant foods. However, those healthy foods can only give the body nutrients when they are actually eaten. Using your slow cooker allows dinner to cook throughout the day, so everyone can walk through the door to a home-cooked meal. You can customize recipes to include multiple food groups, especially dairy.  Including a serving of dairy with meals helps growing bodies get the bone building calcium they need, along with 8 additional nutrients to promote health during the cold and flu season.  Recipes can also include fresh, canned, or frozen produce to accommodate each family’s lifestyle.

In addition to the nutrient advantages of family meals, eating together fosters growth and development in children, both physically and emotionally.  Sitting down as a family is a great time to check in and connect, while establishing healthy eating habits. If weekday evenings are too hectic, consider sharing a morning meal or a longer lunch together on the weekends. Taking the time to make shared meals a priority is a simple but powerful tool in raising a healthy, happy family in 2019.