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Health covers many areas, and there will be more on this topic, but this week we're looking at health as it relates to food choices.

There are very few women who couldn't benefit from taking a closer look at the food they serve themselves and their families. Recent estimates tell us that almost 2/3 of adults are overweight, and the childhood obesity rate is at an all-time high. On the whole, we aren't eating very well.

But what's a busy mom to do? Fast food makes for a quick and easy dinner, but nutritionally almost any other choice would be better. There are three main factors to look at - time, money, and nutritional value, and all of these interact in our daily food choices.

If time is your biggest obstacle, look for ways to be more efficient, so you don't have the last-minute need to order pizza or head to the drive-thru. Just planning menus before a shopping trip can save additional trips and ensure food on hand later in the week. Some moms make a double batch of a recipe, and freeze half for a night when they have no time to cook. You could also visit one of the many make-ahead-and-freeze dinner locations, and have a dozen meals ready to heat and serve. The crock pot is another great option - throw in all the ingredients in the morning, and have dinner waiting for you at night (plus your house smells yummy).

If money is tight, look for opportunities to buy in bulk, and keep in mind that seasonal produce will often cost less than imported fruits and veggies. Local farmers markets can also give you fresh and nutritious produce at a good price. Bag-it-yourself grocery stores can be difficult to undertake with small children, but the savings can be tremendous. Clipping coupons can be tedious, but can also save you a lot of money.

If you just want to eat healthier, start reading labels. You may not like what you read, but this knowledge is crucial. While fast food nutrition facts can be downright scary, knowing the calorie and fat content of a typical burger-and-fries meal may help motivate you to make changes.

Some general tips: Look for ways to add more fruits and vegetables into your diet; for instance, homemade smoothies are inexpensive, packed with good stuff, and your kids will enjoy helping you make them. Learn more about organic alternatives (more costly, but worth the price to many). Find creative ways to make veggies more interesting (use sauces you like, or try stir-frying). Keep a bag of lettuce on hand for quick salads. Snack on foods that have some nutritive value (like whole grain crackers, yogurt, or bran muffins).

Finally, don't go overboard. Fast food as a treat once in a while is fine, but the key is making better everyday choices, and figuring out how to gradually improve the quality of what you eat.

Your assignment: Choose one idea this week to improve your and your family's meals. Look for opportunities to plan menus, eat healthier food, read more nutrition labels, or reduce your fast food consumption. The long-term benefits of better choices are tremendous! Good luck!

Ready to take the assignment? Want to talk about this? Share your ideas and thoughts at M.O.M. Balance forum.

Want to read more from Karen Harvey's M.O.M. Balance column? Click here.