Family life has changed radically over the last several decades. Parents have long commutes and often arrive home too late to cook a sit down dinner. Nannies, au pairs and baby sitters are doing so much of the real child rearing. Family life, it seems, is in jeopardy.
I come from a different time and place. Both my parents worked, but I grew up knowing the importance of sharing a meal. Night after night well into my late teens, I got my core values from these experiences.
I’m often asked: How can I make time for a family meal? I always respond by saying you can't make time. The time you have is the time you choose to have. Prioritize. Reschedule a movie or play date. Create a menu, set some basic rules, plan a date and follow-up.
Start with a simple menu that reflects the group. Choose wholesome, organic and locally grown products for the joy of it. If you really want to change your life, making better food choices is a great place to start. Learn about where the foods you use originated and what their nutritional values are.
Avoid shopping alone. Bring along a family member. Engage in conversation based around dinner. Discuss your ingredient choices.
I like to start with basic cooking techniques like sautéing or stove top grilling and finishing in the oven. Free range grilled marinated chicken or lean beef in olive oil with fresh tarragon and minced fresh garlic is easy to make and delicious. Roasted broccoli and potatoes are easy, quick and wholesome. A chopped green salad with an assortment of fresh raw vegetables and homemade dressing is refreshing and fun to make. Have fun, experiment and throw something new into the dressing. If you don't like it, try again.
Avoid outside distractions such as television and talk radio. If you choose music, have a consensus as to what to listen to, and keep it low. Use your time cooking together to rekindle and reacquaint. If younger children are involved, praise them throughout the process. Remember to reflect on the food and to be thankful for it. Educate your family members that not everyone has the gift of quality food.
Plan to cook and eat together with your family at least once a week. Select a time and place for a family meal. Food is fuel, but we also have an emotional connection to food. For families that cook and eat together, food can be healing. Leave petty misunderstandings and family disputes outside of the kitchen. There is no room for hostility or anger in the kitchen. Negativity will show up in the food. Cooking and eating is about enjoyment. Share, taste, joke and have fun!
In future articles and videos I can show you how to plan wholesome meals that the whole family will enjoy cooking and eating. In the meantime send me the recipe for a meal your family enjoys cooking together. It must be a healthy meal that can be prepared in 45 minutes or less. Try to include a photo of the family cooking together. I’ll share your recipes and photos with the rest of the iHolistic.tv community.