As a mother of two boys, there is nothing more I like than sitting down to enjoy a family meal together.

Chatting about our day and what we’ve all been up to, whilst tucking into a home-cooked meal, is one of the greatest pleasures a family can enjoy together.

But did you know, as well as being quality family time, eating together is proven to be beneficial for our children’s well being too.

According to a study published in the American Journal Pediatrics, children who eat with their families on a regular basis are 35% less likely to engage in an eating disorder, are 24% more likely to eat healthier foods and 12% less likely to be overweight. With further research from the National Literacy Trust, which found that 62% of those who talk with their families at meal times feel more confident to speak in front of a group, making time for everyone to eat together is a must.

However, with work commitments, commuting and after school clubs, how can a busy household still make time for a healthy, nutritious family meal on a regular basis? One way is to choose frozen.

Being part of a busy working family with two sports-mad boys, my own weekday schedule is filled, Monday to Thursday, with post school activities and work obligations all which operate between the hours of 5pm – 8pm. Leaving an incredibly small window in which we can all sit down to a healthy, nutritious family meal together, the only way I have been able to make this work is by ensuring a larger proportion of our meal is cooked using frozen.

With meals such as steamed frozen salmon with vegetables, frozen chicken with frozen rice or frozen pasta, I’m easily able to rustle up a tasty dish in half the time. But it’s not just about the time-saving; by choosing frozen I know I am giving my family delicious, nutritious food that everyone will enjoy and which is vital for a healthy diet. With vegetables that have their vitamins ‘locked in’ and fish which is frozen within hours of being caught (ensuring it retains its valuable nutrients, including protein, healthy fats and minerals), frozen food gives us the quality and freshness we enjoy and need. From its constant availability to reducing potential food waste, as I only use what I want when I need it, frozen food delivers on all fronts.

So if, like me, you want more time to enjoy family meals together that are healthy, tasty and will work with your busy lifestyle – it’s time to choose frozen.

Lyndsey Young, Queen of Easy Green™ is an easy green living expert, ecopreneur, eco columnist and social media influencer. ‘Living Green, Loving Saving’, Lyndsey is passionate about sharing her practical, time, money and energy-saving tips and advice, as well as reviewing and designing eco-friendly products which make a positive difference to you, your home, your pocket and the environment. To find out more, pop over to her website at www.lyndseyyoung.co.uk, follow her on Twitter @QueenEasyGreen, become a fan of Queen of Easy Green on Facebook.