---

SEEKONK - By Thursday, most moms and dads aren't looking forward to cooking dinner after a long day at work.

Unfortunately, with the rising cost of living, going out to dinner too often strains the budget. You could take the less expensive fast-food option, but that's not the healthiest way to go.

Or you could enjoy an inexpensive, nutritious meal with your family at Eat for Cheap.

Once a month, Newman YMCA hosts Eat for Cheap night, an event that includes good, cheap food, exercise and family time for just $3 per member, $6 per non-member. Each month a different local restaurant provides the meal.

Jeanine Achin, the executive director at Newman YMCA, says after just three Eat for Cheap nights, the event is already a huge hit, attracting more than 100 people each time. "It's inexpensive and healthy food and people get to sample local restaurants, so it helps their business as well," she says. At last Thursday's Eat for Cheap, the menu included salad with grilled chicken, pasta, scrod and chowder donated by Vino's in Rehoboth. The money raised by Eat for Cheap goes toward the YMCA's Financial Assistance Program, which helps families in need become part of the YMCA family.

"It's really a great community effort," says Achin.

Eat for Cheap is part of Activate America, the YMCA's national initiative to promote healthy lifestyles. Those who attend Eat for Cheap in Seekonk have the opportunity to speak to June Condon, Newman YMCA's nutritionist.

"Some people ask questions, others just take recipes to try at home," says Condon. "We focus on lifestyle changes, not diets."

After dinner is served, there are several activities available for families. Zumba, a jazzercise class with a Latin flare, is a favorite among Newman YMCA members.

Eat for Cheap is just one of many events that Tom and Lisa Porter and their children TJ, 12, and Maryanne, 5, attend at the Newman YMCA. Although there is a YMCA in the Porters' town, Barrington, R.I., they prefer to travel to the Newman YMCA because of the original, family orientated programs and the great staff members.

"Tonight is a cost effective night out," said Tom. "For $12 our family is enjoying a great meal while eating together in a good atmosphere."

"We want to support the Y in every way possible, and this is another way to do it," Lisa added.

Lisa has also volunteered for planning and setting up events at the Newman YMCA. She says experiencing the process first hand makes you realize how far the staff goes to run successful programs.

"It's so hard to get people to donate (for the Financial Assistance Program), especially right now," said Lisa. June Condon, holistic health and nutrition counselor at the Newman YMCA, provided these healthful recipes:

Broccolli Rabe with

garlic and chili flakes

Ingredients: (serves 4 as a side dish)

1 bunch broccoli raab (substitute: kale, broccoli, or chard)

3 TBLS olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced (or more to your taste)

1/2 red onion, sliced

pinch of dried chili flakes

1/4 cup water

salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Directions:

1. wash broccoli rabe and cut off the very hard end of stem. Drain in colander, you can chop it or leave it whole.

2. In a wide pan heat the olive oil and the garlic and red onion.

3. Cook over medium heat until the garlic begins to brown.

4. Add washed broccoli rabe, chili flakes, water, salt and pepper. Cover and cook 2 minutes.

5. Check texture of the broccoli rabe, cook to your liking.

Portobello Mushroom Salad

Ingredients:

6 cups washed arugula

2 fennel bulbs

2 portobello mushroom caps

Dressing:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 TBLS balsamic vinegar

1 garlic clove minced

salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Directions:

1. With a sharp knife or mandoline slice the fennel and mushrooms as thinly as possible. Keep them separate.

2. Combine all of the dressing ingredients thoroughly.

3. Add 1/4 cup of dressing to the portobello mushrooms 15 minutes before serving.

4. Just before serving toss all the ingredients together and season with salt and pepper to taste.