Family Day - A Day to Eat Dinner as a Family

5 fun themes that everyone will enjoy

 

Hectic schedules, afterschool activities, evening study sessions, the list goes on an on.  And with these busy schedules, sometimes eating dinner as a family falls by the wayside.  On Monday, September 22, 2008, we celebrate Family Day – a national movement intended to inform parents that eating together as a family is an effective tool to help keep their kids substance free, according to research conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University (CASA).  Research has also shown that sitting down at the table together is important for weight management, to form healthy eating habits, to improve family communication and is also good for children’s self esteem.  Join ShopRite in celebrating Family Day this Monday, September 22, 2008 and help spread the word that Dinner Makes a Difference.

 

 The following fun family themes are a great way to celebrate Family Day, and will help you to plan and enjoy a festive dinner, as a family. 

#1 - Asian Inspiration

To Decorate: Make a centerpiece by placing three pillar candles in a row down the middle of a rectangular tray, and surround the candles with smooth stones.  Use bamboo place mats and use chopsticks as your utensils.  Sit on large pillows or bamboo mats around a low table, and have everyone remove their shoes and wear slippers. 

Healthy foods can include: Stir fried chicken, lean beef, or shrimp with a variety of vegetables in a reduced sodium soy based marinade; Teriyaki or sesame chicken & vegetables on skewers served over whole grain brown rice; chicken and broccoli; steamed vegetable egg rolls.

#2 - Mexican Fiesta

 

To Decorate:  Cover the table with a Mexican blanket or a brightly color tablecloth. Create a centerpiece by grouping potted cacti of varying heights. Set the table with plastic plates and cups in bright shades of turquoise, fuchsia, orange and lime green.  

Healthy foods can include: Different types of salsa with low fat baked chips; guacamole; grilled chicken, lean beef, or shrimp marinated in a lime-tequila flavored sauce; rice and beans; fajitas with grilled chicken, lean beef, or shrimp and lots of vegetables.

#3 Country Western

 

To Decorate: Use a checkered tablecloth, use a cactus for a centerpiece, and use bandanas as place mats.  Put on a country music radio station, and be sure to wear your jeans, cowboy hats and bandanas. 

Healthy foods can include: BBQ! Whether you feast on chicken (without the skin), low-fat or fat-free hot dogs or turkey hot dogs, lean ground beef hamburgers, or lean cuts of steak, make sure that you cover the food in rich and tasty low-fat barbecue sauces. Other great foods to add to the menu at this party are chili made with ground turkey breast and lots of beans, stew, and baked beans. Don't forget the baked chips with low fat dip.  Try light ranch dressing or make your own low fat black bean dip.

#5 Italian Theme

To Decorate: Serve food in family style platters.   Have photos of Italian landmarks to set the theme in motion, such as The Leaning Tower of Pisa and The Roman Coliseum, this is also a great educational opportunity for kids. Use green, white and red plates, napkins and glasses. Have a replica of the flag of Italy hanging nearby or use as a tablecloth.

Have some soft Italian music playing in the background.

Healthy foods can include: Start the meal with a fabulous Insalata, or garden salad, featuring an array of vegetables such as radicchio, arugula, and tomatoes.  Next, have a healthful soup that is high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, such as Minestrone or Pasta Fagioli. For your main entree, choose meals that offer tomato-based sauces such as marinara, and try to limit entrees with Alfredo sauces.  Whole-wheat pasta is a healthy complex carbohydrate, when served in the proper portion.  Add in some vegetables, and make it an even healthier meal.  When preparing meat, poultry or seafood, go for Cacciatore and Marsala style instead of Parmigiana to limit fat and calories.  Buon Appetito!