Walking in Beauty Katie Sharpton

Walking in Beauty

October is…Eat Better, Eat Together Month

By Katie Sharpton

What I enjoyed most about mealtimes growing up (and still enjoy), was the family time shared at the table. Yes, healthy meals are great, but mealtime with conversations and interactions are even better. Make family meals a priority. If you are busy, then make meals quick and easy. Cooking meals at home is important whether you are a small or large family, a couple, or even living alone. Cooking at home helps you to consume fewer carbohydrates, less sugar, and less fat because you know and see all the ingredients going into the recipes. When families eat together, children do better in school, communication improves, and children understand their family’s values and traditions. Eating healthier together is a great start to a permanent healthy lifestyle. To make family cooking fun, have everyone choose a meal for which every individual would like to see for dinner.

Planning and cooking a meal may seem daunting after a long day at work. Try taking one day, before the busy week starts, to plan and meal prep! When nutritious meals are cooked ahead of time, then you can enjoy the much-needed family time shared at the table. Pack healthy lunches with any leftover dinners!

Let us make family time fun by trying these theme night dinners: • Meatless Monday • Taco Tuesday • Waffle Wednesday (breakfast for dinner) • Thrifty Thursday (leftovers) • Fiesta Friday • Slow Cook Saturday • Souper Sunday (soup, stew, or chili) Here is one of my go-to slow cooker recipes: Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Ingredients • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey or Italian sausage) • 1 onion finely chopped • 1 teaspoon minced garlic • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon dried basil • 1 teaspoon dried parsley • 28 oz can diced tomatoes (no salt added) • 650 ml jar pasta sauce about 2 1/2 cups • 2 1/2 cups water or chicken broth (low sodium) • 375 gram box Penne or Ziti or other short pasta (about 4 cups) • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Instructions 1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Stir in garlic and salt and cook 1 minute. (OPTIONAL: you can also add the raw onion and spices right into the slow cooker to save on time) 2. Add beef mixture, basil, parsley, tomatoes, pasta sauce and water to a 4qt (or larger) slow cooker. Stir. 3. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. 4. Turn slow cooker to high. Add pasta and stir until combined. Cover and continue cooking for 15-30 minutes (depending on how hot your slow cooker is) — check and stir at the 15 minute mark. 5. Sprinkle with cheese and cover for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.