• Try using a slow-cooker or a crock pot for soups, roasts, and stews. This way you do not have to constantly watch the food. The food will be ready and hot no matter what time everyone gets home!
• Build the main part of your meal around rice, pasta, or other grains. Use a smaller amount of meat, poultry, fish, or eggs.
• When you can, cook meals in bulk. Freeze the rest and then you will have a meal already prepared!
• Put leftovers in the freezer, use them in the next night's meal, or pack them in lunches tomorrow.
• Cook with a friend and trade meals for variety.
• Have your children help you plan one meal a week. If you give them a budget and some rules (like "No Big Macs allowed!") you might be surprised what they come up with! Also, this takes the stress off of you for a night.
• Balance your meals. Have variety and color from all of the food groups.
• Add variety to family meals. Cook family favorites plus new recipes. If you usually make mashed potatoes, try baked potatoes or potato salad instead.
• Plan healthy snacks for your family. Fresh and dried fruit, air-popped popcorn, crackers, and low-fat string cheese are all healthy snack ideas.

Find out about how to keep your family healthy in our food safety section.