People of all ages eat better when they share a meal with others. They tend to eat more vegetables and fruits, other nutrient-rich foods and less fried foods, sweets, salty snacks and pop.
Eating together gives young children the chance to learn more words and how to communicate better.
Family meals are also a chance to pass along family traditions and help keep families connected.
With today’s busy schedules, it can be hard to eat meals together.
Tips for Family Meals
Be a positive role model. This will help your children form good eating habits.
Eat together as a family as much as you can; plan to eat around family members’ schedules.
Involve your family in choosing and preparing the meal; this increases the chance that they’ll eat it.
Let your children help with meal planning and food preparation; this can help them develop important skills and learn about food safety.
Put away toys, phones, screens and other distractions.
Use food as a conversation starter. You can talk about how food is grown or the role food plays in culture and food traditions.
Meals can bring families together and food is most enjoyable when shared with others. Plus, by eating together, your family’s physical and mental well-being benefits.
