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TEXARKANA, Ark. –
Do you want to save money this holiday season? Most of us would answer yes! One easy way to do that is to commit to eating more meals at home. Not only can you save money by preparing meals for your family at home, but you may be helping to improve their overall health.
According to research from Cornell University, conducted by Musick and Meier, children who eat at home on a regular basis may be 35% less likely to have unhealthy eating behaviors, 24% more likely to eat healthier foods and 12% less likely to be overweight. Not only does eating meals at home influence nutrition, but it may play a role in other areas of health. In this study, results showed that people who eat family dinners together tend to have lower levels of depression. Sharing time with the family has significant effects on child mental health, substance use, and delinquency and results in better students. This may be due to families spending quality time together and not necessarily the type of food being served.
While research on family meals is ongoing and more research needs to be done, evidence to date suggests that family meals do provide many benefits for children and youth. Here are some ways to improve family mealtime:
The holidays are hectic! Eating out with the family can be a “special treat”. However, there are some very valid reasons for eating at home.
If you want to improve cooking skills or would like information related to healthy eating following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, contact the Miller County Extension Office at 870-779-3609 or email vkennedy@uada.edu.
Do you have any turkey or chicken left over at your house? Hopefully, you have put it in the freezer to use for future meals. Cooked turkey can be used in place of cooked chicken in most recipes. Just find your favorite casserole, soup or main dish recipe that calls for chicken and substitute cooked turkey instead. This recipe is great, easy to prepare is nutritious!
2/3 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 can (12 ounces) no-salt tomato paste
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (11 ounces) Mexican-style corn, drained
1 1/2 cups diced cooked turkey
3 green onions, sliced
2 to 3 Tablespoons chili powder
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
1 2/3 cups water
In a large saucepan, combine beef broth and tomato paste. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Yield: 6 servings
Nutrition information per serving: 225 calories, 32 g Carbohydrates, 631 mg Sodium, 20 g Protein, 3 g Fat###
Varonica Kennedy is a County Extension Agent – Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) with the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service in Miller County. She can be reached by email: vkennedy@uada.edu.
By Varonica Kennedy County Extension Agent - FCSThe Cooperative Extension ServiceU of A System Division of Agriculture
Media Contact: Varonica Kennedy County Extension Agent - FCSU of A Division of AgricultureCooperative Extension Service1007 Jefferson Avenue (870) 779-3609 vkennedy@uada.edu
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The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.