I know it's difficult - and sometimes seems impossible - to gather the family around the table at meal time. But the importance of eating together has so many lasting benefits it's worth the effort. Studies have shown time and again that eating dinner together as a family can lower the risk of obesity in children, encourage and increase the consumption of healthier foods, boost confidence levels and even promote better performance at school. Sounds good, right? To help you get started on the journey to eating together at dinner and easy peasy meal planning check out Canadian Living's Ultimate Family Dinners available on newsstands now. Packed with over 90 family-friendly recipes, including slow cooker favourites, guaranteed kid-pleasers, super quick recipes (20 minutes or less from start to finish) and tons of helpful tips from meal planning and shopping, to getting the whole family involved there is something inside for absolutely everyone. Here's sneak peek at one of my favourite recipes in the book. It's a crowd pleaser at my house and sooooo easy! Happy meal planning and happy family dinner time? You bet! And we've made it easy for you. image: Joe Kim, TC Media