Enact Family Meal Time

February 28, 2015


If your day goes like most Americans, you will agree that wishing the day had extra hours, is constantly on our minds! And for many of us, mealtime may be the only time when we have a chance to come together as a unit and share quality time with friends and family. So my health tip today is to make this time extra especial, and to use it as a way to bite into a healthy lifestyle!
Research shows that family meals promote healthier eating. Families who eat dinner together every day consume more servings of fruits and vegetables, have higher intakes of important nutrients, and are less likely to eat unhealthy fried foods and sodas. In addition, they are more likely to report having family support, positive communication, and less depression. 
So, plan to eat together as a family at least a few times each week. Set a regular mealtime. Turn off the TV, phones and other electronic devices to avoid distractions. Get everyone involved in meal planning and cooking, and use this time to learn about good nutrition.


References:
Rockett, H. R. (2007). Family dinner: More than just a meal. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 107(9), 1498–1501.
Fulkerson, J. A., Neumark-Sztainer, D., & Story, M. (2006). Adolescent and parent views of family meals. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 106(4), 526–532.
Fulkerson, J. A., Story, M., Mellin, A., Leffert, N., Neumark-Sztainer, D., & French, S. A. (2006). Family dinner meal frequency and adolescent development: Relationships with developmental assets and high-risk behaviors. Journal of Adolescent Health 39(3), 337–345

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