As the school year is in full swing, the dinner hour is a busy time. With all the running around, it can be tempting to just run through the drive-through and eat in the car on the way to the next event.

However, when we eat at home we not only are spending less money, we also are eating a healthier meal. The way to get that meal to the table is to plan, and the weekend is a perfect time to do just that. Base your meals on MyPlate — an easy visual to gauge the healthiness of your meal — with half your plate being fruits and vegetables, a quarter as lean protein, a quarter as whole grain, plus a serving of low-fat dairy.

September 24 was recognized as National Family Day to recognize the importance of eating together as a family. Benefits to children are seen when family meals happen between five and seven times per week. Those benefits include improved academic performance and self-esteem, lower rates of obesity and eating disorders and lower incidences of substance abuse and teen pregnancy. An easy way to gather everyone to the table is with a fun food station. This could happen at the evening meal or even breakfast; the important thing is that everyone is present and eats together.