Creating Fun at Mealtime
By Donna Stark
I used to not like cooking and actually enjoyed those nights when I didn't have to step foot in my kitchen. But eating out a couple times a week quickly became expensive, and on top of that, wasn't the healthiest choice around. I knew that I had to find something that would entice me to cook more. Something that would give me and my family the enjoyment that we were missing while cooking our family meals. Something that was fun.
Cooking Can be Fun
It is hard to have fun while cooking a meal on those crazy busy evenings during the week. It's especially hard if your life is like those old Calgon commercials that were shown years ago. You remember those, right? The baby is crying, the dog is barking, the younger kids are needing help with their homework, while the older kids are yelling at each other for the remote ... all while the dinner on top of the stove is burning. Call me crazy, but that doesn't sound like much fun. Fortunately, with some changes to your meals, and some family involvement, cooking in your home can start and end on a completely different note. Take a look at some suggestions on how to bring fun (gasp!) into your kitchen.
- Plan themed dinners - You know what these are ... Macaroni Monday, Taco Tuesday, Soup and Salad Saturdays. Themed dinners make meal planning a lot easier and involve your children by giving them the chance to come up with some creative ideas.
- Create a restaurant-style food bar - Everyone has their preferences and sometimes (actually most times), it is impossible to cook for each person's individual tastes. So how can you indulge your loved ones? Create a food bar! Think hot potato bars, pasta bars, flatbread bars, and salad bars. The options are endless!
- Travel the world - Well, not really, but it's fun to have a global feast when you experiment with recipes that are inspired by other countries. Try some Asian stir-fry or some Italian pasta. It's easier than you think and you may find that you and your family learn a thing or two about other cultures in the process.
- Cook with friends - Invite your friends over, or have your kids invite theirs, and then pull out all the necessary ingredients. You know what they are ... great conversation, loads of laughs, and smiles to fill every spot at the kitchen table. Cooking together and sharing those "secret" family recipes with each other are sure to create wonderful meals and lasting memories.
Smiles in the Kitchen
Learning how to create some fun in the kitchen while cooking for your family will put smiles on everyone and healthy meals on the table. It's also a great way to save money ... and your sanity at the same time! So get everyone involved and start cooking!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cumming, Ga.