THE ASSOCIATION FOR DRESSINGS & SAUCES ENCOURAGES THE NATION TO EAT BETTER; EAT TOGETHER

(October 2006) ATLANTA, GA – “On the heels of Family Dinner Day, make it a priority to keep family mealtime a regular occurrence in your home,” says The Association for Dressings & Sauces (ADS). The Atlanta-based trade association of salad dressing and sauce manufacturers and suppliers to the industry encourages families to incorporate family dining into their everyday routine.

Everyone knows children model themselves after their parents, and that includes eating the nutritious foods our bodies need. “Eating meals as a family can actually improve children's food habits,” says the American Dietetic Association (ADA). “Kids tend to eat more fruits, vegetables and dairy foods at meals shared with their parents.” ADA offers the following tips to make family mealtime the most delicious, nutritious and enjoyable it can be.

• Select a variety of foods from among the basic food groups while staying within calorie needs
• Include foods packed with vitamins and minerals
• Don’t eat more calories than you burn; excess calories are stored as fat
• Choose portion sizes that are right for you
• Eat more fruits and vegetables; include dark, leafy greens in salads for an excellent source of B vitamins and fiber
• Eat more whole grains; whole grains contain fiber and other beneficial nutrients
• Drink nonfat or low-fat milk; dairy foods are a terrific source of calcium, protein and other vitamins and minerals important for children’s growth and development
• Choose fats wisely; try to eat more of the good fats like those found in fish and olive oil
• Choose carbohydrates wisely; make sure most of the carbohydrates you eat have plenty of fiber, vitamins and minerals

Developing pleasant family mealtimes can often be a struggle as hectic schedules can dictate rushed dining. Dressing and sauce products are a quick way to tempt the palates of family members to encourage eating more fruits and vegetables. By including the whole family in meal preparation, as well as sitting down together at the table, the floodgates of communication open and conversations ensue. Make it a standing date at your house starting today! 

The Association for Dressings & Sauces is an international trade association representing the manufacturers of salad dressings and condiment sauces and the suppliers to the industry. Visit us on the web at www.dressings-sauces.org to learn more about the nutritional benefits of salads and salad dressings, and to obtain tasty recipes as well as a copy of the brochure, “The Good News About Salad Dressings and Sauces.” To learn more about the impact fruits and vegetables can have on your nutritional health, visit www.saladaday.org.