Recent research findings are confirming what most people and many cultures have known for perhaps thousands of years – that eating together with family and friends is better for your health and wellbeing.
Most people would agree that family mealtimes are enjoyable, and in some homes, are a habit, either daily or at least once a week. It can involve everyone contributing in some way, whether it’s setting the table, bringing along something to eat, drink or share, or one or more key people cooking the meal. But studies are showing that eating together is not just fun and a time for catching up – it’s actually saving lives.
Family mealtimes have shown to decrease adolescents’ chances of being overweight or obese, and improving children’s nutritional health and wellbeing. Adolescents who eat with their family three or more times each week are 12% less likely to be overweight or suffer from obesity. Eating together was found to help all family members maintain healthy weight and be more motivated towards exercising together. Such habits help to prevent major illnesses later in life, such as some cancers, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Research also indicates something that perhaps we would all agree with – that family mealtimes together (provided we have harmonious families and communication) can be a time of great comfort, relaxation and support. Famous TV families and movies that spring to mind when considering this include the Waltons, the Simpsons, Family Ties, the Castle and others.
Research findings show that only 8% of Queensland adults eat the recommended daily fruit and vegetable intake, and around 60% of people are not getting enough exercise. Childhood obesity is on the rise, rapidly, and the statistics would shock most people. 1 in 4 Aussie kids is now overweight or obese.
Eating meals together as a family, though, can greatly reduce this, mainly because parents are better able to monitor and control food at the dinner table, instead of kids eating dinner and snacks watching TV or playing at the computer. Family mealtimes also provide a safe, relaxed place for kids to feel at ease, welcome and supported, further aiding wellbeing and relieving stress, which may be behind many poor eating habits and choices. Children who eat meals with their family are 25% less likely to develop nutritional health problems. Family mealtimes also result in better eating habits, including an increase in fruit and vegetables.
At the heart of positive changes must be parents, who are encouraged to increase family mealtimes together, if they are not already. Mealtimes together should also be enjoyed without TV, movies, loud music or computer games, so that family members can better communicate, share events and news, and especially talk about food and lifestyle. Of course, if this is not already part of your family habits, then we can certainly adopt some wonderful mealtime rituals and habits from European and Asian cultures. Some of my most cherished memories are of eating together on special occasions with family members and gatherings with friends from different countries and cultures.
If your household doesn’t have any or enough mealtimes together, try planning at least one dinner or lunchtime to eat together each week, making it special with good food, a nice setting and involving everyone is in some way.
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