A family that eats together stays healthy together

 A family that eats together stays healthy together 

Recent studies have shown that children not only like to sit at the table and have a meal with their parents but are more likely to have a balanced and nutritious meal when they do. But with the hectic life we are living these days, bringing the family together in the same place at the same time can be a difficult chore. Between work schedules, extracurricular activities, errands, etc., It shows that we have less and less time. But with a few simple ideas and a little planning, mealtime can be a fun and precious family moment.

Set aside at least one night a week for a sit-down meal with your family. Sunday evenings are usually a good option for this because you have more time to relax and the weekend tasks are over.  

Involve your children in meal planning and preparation. This gives them a strong sense of self and the basis for a lifetime of planning and preparing healthy meals.  

Be sure to turn off the TV and make it a rule that all phone calls are addressed to voicemail or an answering machine during a meal. Take this time to visit each other and enjoy each other’s company. It’s the perfect time to reconnect and discover what happened this week. Take your time to eat and teach your children to do the same. Eating slowly is a healthy habit. Don’t jump in and start cleaning the dishes and putting things away until everyone is done eating and talking.  

On days when you can’t sit with your family, try to get used to sitting and chatting with them while eating, instead of rushing to do household chores. Show them that you care, that you want to be involved and be an integral part of their daily lives.