Family Meals
Why eating together is best
Food is a great reason for people to gather together. Thanksgiving, of course, is just one occasion that centers around food. Psychologists know well that people need each other to be healthy. Close, positive relationships boost a person's immune system and even reduce stress levels. It's important to take time to be together as a family each day -- and what better time than at the breakfast or dinner table -- or both.
With so many distractions in the modern world, it's easy to eat while tuned in to a computer, TV, or even while driving. But it's not healthy. Eating on-the-go can lead to indigestion as well as overeating if you're not paying attention. And because it tends to be "fast-food," it's often full of salt and bad fats. It may also mean your family isn't getting valuable together-time.
Here are 4 reasons to take time each day to gather for a family meal at home:
- Brings your family closer together. By keeping the meal relaxed and enjoyable, it's a great time to find out how each other is doing and create lasting memories.
- Makes kids feel connected. Studies show that family meals several times a week may help improve children's self esteem and promote academic performance, while deterring kids from smoking, illegal drug use and other negative behaviors.
- It's healthier. You have the opportunity to choose the ingredients and how it's prepared (roasted rather than deep fried for instance). It's also a great time to introduce children to a new vegetable or food from another country. Don't get discouraged; children often need multiple exposures to a new food before they'll try it.
- Saves you money. The preparation and clean up that comes with eating "in" may be more of a hassle, but eating out is about two to four times more expensive. Make eating at home easier by having everyone help out. Even young children can tear off lettuce or help set the table. And teenagers can learn self-reliance by learning to cook.
With so many activities keeping you and your family on the go, you will have to make an effort to schedule in meal time. But the overall benefits will definitely be worth the extra effort.
