A Family that Eats Together Stays Healthy Together…

Dinner is the perfect time for families to come together. Whether you are young or old everyone can share in some aspect of meal preparation. Studies conducted at the University of Minnesota found that when meal time is spent with the entire family, bonding and healthy habits can be shared. Children especially can benefit from this daily ritual. Assigning simple jobs including table setting or food preparation will teach children the correct way to prepare a meal. Not only does this offer family time, but it can also be a way to teach children about different healthy foods and how to cook them so they enjoy them.

The first step in bringing the family together is making dinner a ritual. Have the kids set the table or help serve food. One night designate everyone a certain position. Someone can be the chef, sous-chef, server, clean-up, or whatever fun jobs you and your family come up with. The next night change it up so everyone gets to learn all aspects of meal time. Some activities can be:

Mashing potatoes
Picking herbs
Pounding garlic
Mixing ingredients
Washing fruits and vegetables

This makes preparation more efficient and also teaches kids about the proper handling of different foods. The more everyone participates, the more interested they will be in joining.

Did you know that meals prepared and eaten at home are usually more nutritious and healthy? A study done by Harvard researchers and published by Family Medicine found that families who eat together tend to take in more healthy nutrients, such as:

Fiber
Calcium
Iron
Vitamins C and E
Vitamins B6 and B12
Also, fruits, vegetables and dairy products

Home cooked meals are usually not fried or highly salted, plus consumption of beverages like low-fat milk and water are usually higher at the dinner table. This is a good time to introduce and encourage your children to try new foods. Prepare one of their favorites along with a new food and over time they will be more likely to except new flavors.

-Libby Harrison, Nutrition Intern and graduate in Dietetics from Bowling Green State University.