(Family Features) Despite busy lives and full schedules, finding time for regular meals with loved ones encourages connections and conversations that can benefit mental and physical well-being. Gathering your family, friends, coworkers or neighbors at least once a week to spend time together over a meal provides opportunities to decompress and socialize.
In fact, according to a study by “Canadian Family Physician,” regular meals at home with loved ones can reduce stress, boost self-esteem and make everyone feel connected with mealtime conversations that allow a chance to unplug and unwind.
Meals don’t have to be elaborate for a successful evening together. Despite the perceived effort involved with preparing a meal, research published in “Preventive Medicine” shows those who have frequent meals with others, particularly parents with their children, may improve social and emotional well-being.
In addition to the mental and emotional benefits of meals with loved ones, eating together can also encourage healthier choices when better-for-you recipes are on the menu. Dining as a group can provide inspiration to try heart-healthy recipes that include the wide variety of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and healthy protein sources recommended by the American Heart Association to help prevent heart disease and stroke.
To find recipe ideas, conversation starters and more tips for mealtime, visit heart.org/together.
Southwestern Quinoa and Egg Breakfast Bowls
Servings: 4
1/4 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 2 cups)
1 cup no-salt-added frozen corn, thawed
1/2 medium avocado, pitted and diced
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
nonstick cooking spray
4 large eggs
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
red hot-pepper sauce, to taste (optional)
Cook quinoa according to package directions. Remove from heat.
Spoon quinoa into four bowls. Top each with tomatoes, corn, avocado, green onions and cilantro, if desired.
Lightly spray large skillet over medium-high heat with nonstick cooking spray. Crack eggs into skillet. Sprinkle eggs with salt and pepper. Cook, uncovered, 3-4 minutes, or until egg whites are set but yolks are still runny. Using spatula, carefully transfer one egg sunny side up into each bowl. Sprinkle with hot sauce, if desired.
Source: American Heart Association
