Eating family meals together improves more than health

Did you know that October is National Eat Better; Eat Together month? With the fall season upon us, it is a great time to get back to the basics of all family members sitting at the table and eating meals together.

Why should we eat meals together? Everyone is so busy, no one seems to have time to fix an elaborate sit-down meal with both parents working outside the home, after-school children’s activities, homework and other reasons.

But you can’t afford to miss family meals. Why? Studies have shown children do better in school, have fewer behavior problems and are more likely to eat fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Teenagers who take part in regular family meals are less likely to smoke, drink alcohol, use marijuana and other drugs and are more likely to have healthier diets as adults.

The benefits don’t stop there. Beyond health and nutrition, family meals provide a valuable opportunity to reconnect.

Children and teenagers both say they like having time to talk to the adults in their lives, thus improving family communication and their understanding of family values and traditions.

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