Are family meals a lost art? In our world today, with fast-paced lives, busy work schedules and extracurricular activities, drive-thru meals and takeout food have become the norm. What impact does this have on our kids, our families and ourselves? As the trend moves toward simplicity and convenience, let’s not overlook the fact that preparing and eating meals together stimulates communication, creates memories and establishes healthy eating behaviors that have a long-lasting impact. Think back to the memories you hold dear from your own childhood; are any of them centered around the dinner table?
Research shows that when families eat meals together on a regular basis, they have greater unity and closer relationships. Children in families who eat together are better adjusted to the pressures of society. These children are more comfortable and confident in their own skin. The long-term nutritional benefits for individuals who have grown up eating family meals are clear too. The percentage of family members who are overweight is significantly lower in families who eat meals together on a regular basis than those who don’t.
When schedules are busy, and time is at a premium, there is still hope for the family meal. September is National Family Meals Month, which means it’s the perfect time to start making family meals a normal occurrence in your home!
Here are a few tips on how to do it:
- Pick one or two days a week for everyone to commit to.
- Pick a recipe and side dishes the family can agree on. Choose foods from all food groups, and foods that vary in color, taste and texture, to increase nutritional benefit.
- Choose a recipe that allows for convenience. Slow-cooker meals, one-pan recipes, casseroles and grilled meats are all good ideas.
- Plan for conversation starters. For example, have everyone go around the table and say one thing they are grateful for, or share an interesting story from their day.
- Keep everyone in touch by turning the television off and having a “no phones at the dinner table” policy.
Try this family-favorite recipe from Siete Family Foods for dinner tonight! Siete is a Mexican-American food brand, rooted in family, that creates delicious products made with better-for-you ingredients like avocado oil, cassava flour, and organic beans and corn. Their products are great for a variety of dietary needs and preferences, to inspire inclusivity around the table. This way, more people can get a taste of Mexican-American favorites, like tortillas and tortilla chips. Check out the company’s wide variety of products at your local grocery store – including taco shells, taco seasonings and tortilla chips – that are all gluten free, dairy free, and made with avocado oil. So whether you’re hosting a taco night, cooking for your family, or enjoying dessert – Siete’s got you covered!
Soft and Crunchy Tacos
Just like our Mexican-American heritage, we’re celebrating the best of both worlds in this
Soft and Crunchy Tacos recipe! It’s exactly as it sounds: Grain Free Almond Flour Tortillas are wrapped around Grain Free Taco Shells with a savory layer of Vegan Refried Pinto Beans in
between. The best part? You get to fill this doubled-up taco with your favorite fillings like ground turkey, lettuce and tomato! Enjoy!
All you need:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 pkg Siete Mild Taco Seasoning
- 1 can Siete Vegan Refried Pinto Beans
- 1 pkg Siete Grain Free Hard Taco Shells
- 1 pkg Siete Grain Free Almond Flour Tortillas
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced small
All you do:
- In a medium skillet, cook ground meat over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Add Siete Mild Taco Seasoning and ⅓ cup of water.
- Cook until liquid is reduced.
- Heat Siete Vegan Refried Pinto Beans over medium-low heat until warm.
- Heat Siete Grain Free Almond Flour Tortillas and Siete Grain Free Hard Taco Shells according to package instructions.
- To assemble: Spread about 2 tablespoons of beans over an almond flour tortilla.
- Place one hard taco shell in the center of the tortilla and fold in the hard shell taco.
- Add seasoned meat to taco and top with lettuce and tomato.
Recipe source: Siete Family Foods: https://sietefoods.com/blogs/recipes/soft-and-crunchy-tacos
The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.