Eating at home

Mealtimes are the glue that holds families together. A nutritious breakfast and lunch make for a productive day, while the evening meal is a time to talk over what's happened in the day, and for children to learn the manners that allow them to live in society. It's worthwhile learning about the value of the foods we cook, and how to involve our children wherever possible.

Breakfast
One in four children in Australia doesn't eat breakfast. At school, a hungry child will easily lose concentration in class, have no energy for playtime, and may snack on unhealthy foods such as chips or biscuits. A calm and healthy breakfast every day is the simplest defence against this happening, and will give children good habits to carry through life. » more

Lunch
It's soul-destroying if you discover your beautifully prepared lunch is going straight in the bin each day. The solution is to make lunches as interesting as possible and try a different approach if a problem arises. » more

Dinner
If there is one time of the day when it's good for the family to come together, it's the evening meal. Young children need the regularity of a sit-down meal so they can settle at night, and teenagers (despite appearances) need time to talk, to be heard and to learn from their parents. » more

Involving the family
Kids love to help in the kitchen. They not only learn cooking skills and feel they're being helpful, but they also take more interest in the food once it gets to the table. And the whole family gathering around the table, not the TV, turns the evening meal into a social occasion. » more

Shopping
Shopping can be a drain on your purse and your patience, but it doesn't have to be. What's needed is some forward planning, a good understanding of food labelling and food safety, and techniques to deal with 'pester power'. » more

Recipes
Try these delicious recipes today! » more