These days everyone seems to have a busy lifestyle, and healthy eating can often fall victim to the lack of time. But instead of turning to fast food or frozen pizza to solve the problem, make a commitment to better health! Consider these delicious meals that are sure to bring the family to the dinner table.

Spice Up Those Boring Meals

Healthy meals aren't boring--they are filled with flavor and often fun to make, especially when the cooking is a family affair. Let your family get into the act from the very beginning by making a grocery list together. What meals would they like to eat during the week? What ingredients are needed? Even small children can help you choose healthy foods at the grocery store, and they might be pleased as punch to help you cook it when you get home.

Healthy Eating Gone Wild

Don't hesitate to get creative. Check out your farmer's market for seasonal veggies and try something new. Explore the depth and flavor of spices. Stop frying foods and try out new ways of cooking them. Turn to boiling, baking, and using your broiler to make flavors pop. Don't forget the thrill of grilling, too.

Want more ideas? Pick up a few new cookbooks from the library and try something that looks exotic. Get cookbooks geared toward kids and let your youngsters plan a few meals for the family. Let them help you out in the kitchen when it's time to make what they chose.

Healthy Meals for the Whole Family

When you're cooking for a crowd, it's important to come up with meal ideas that suit everyone around the table. Your goal is to create family meals that are healthy for everyone from children to the elderly, and have ingredients that everyone can tolerate and enjoy. Here are a few options to get you started:

• Parmesean-Crusted Tilapia with Mashed Potatoes and a Side Salad. The tilapia is packed with healthy oils, the mashed potatoes offer just the right amount of carbohydrates, and the side salad allows you to go crazy with veggies. It's the perfect light meal for those long, lazy summer nights.
• Meat and Turkey Loaf with Carrots and Green Beans. Meatloaf gets a new twist when you make it with half ground beef and half ground turkey. The kids won't know the difference, but you will know how much healthier it is! Carrots and green beans add both nutrition and color to the plate. Offer dipping sauces for the veggies and you've got a crowd-pleaser.
• Roasted Chicken with Cucumber Salad and Sweet Potato Biscuits. You already know roasted chicken is good for you, but sweet potato biscuits? Surprise--they are a decadent, light biscuit that has the perfect touch of sweetness. The cucumber salad adds the right touch of light flavor to balance out the meal.

When the whole family gets into the spirit of healthy eating, it can be easier to keep the best of foods on the table. Start now to make good health and nutrition a family affair.