Do you remember the times when it was common for the whole family to sit together for a family meal? We had big Sunday lunches and my mum would prepare magical meals for us. I fondly remember that time and the importance of sitting together. My siblings and I enjoyed this time because we got a chance to chat with our parents and behave like adults. We sat in our big  Oak dining table chairs and enjoyed each others company. My mum still has our dining room set and once or twice a year, when we all get together, we still sit on our assigned places.  Some things just never change.

Having meals together was important throughout the week. We would have our main meals at night with the whole family. It was great– everyone would chat about their day and we would talk about what our plans were for the weekend. I sometimes miss these family meals with my whole family. Eating together with people is much better and healthier than eating in front of your Samsung 32 TV.  Somehow this ritual has become a lost art. Researchers say that eating with people also helps to combat obesity and substance abuse.  Now that is definitely a reason to continue to eat together with friends and family. Switch off the telly, invite your friends and family over and cook a nice, easy, wholesome meal.

Let’s see what you need to get a bit more savvy in the kitchen. A meal does not need to be a masterpiece, it just needs to bring people together. Often you don’t want to and you don’t have the time to plan a meal one week in advance. Therefore it is useful to have a big hotpoint freezer fridge at home where you can always store a couple of chicken breasts, mince meat and some frozen peas.  It is amazing how many meals you can prepare from just these ingredients.

Now you need some basic appliances and utensils that can make your life easier. A proper oven with good temperature regulation is a great appliance to have. The zanussi electric oven will safe you a lot of frustration with it’s fantastic features. To increase the efficiency of your cooking time, get an induction hob. This new technology boils water within minutes.  A slow cooker  is very useful. You add all the ingredients in the morning and when you come back in the evening, voila! You have a wholesome meal.  Hot soup is a great idea for cold and wet days. Soups are very easy to prepare, you only need a kenwood hand blender and some vegetables to prepare a great meal.

Stop those trips to fast food outlets. Invite your friends and family over and eat together. Eating is not only about absorbing nutrients–the way we eat also influences how we store those nutrients and eating together allows us the opportunity to develop our social skills.

Did you know…?

Research shows that young people who have more than 5 meals a week with their families are one-third less likely to develop unhealthy eating habits.

- maricki

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