The significance of maintaining a healthy and well-balanced diet is well-known. Even while we know that eating healthy food is important, we don't always remember to be mindful of how we consume it.
According to a recent study, eating alone in front of the TV or when under stress can not provide your body with the nutrients it needs as much as eating with loved ones.
Scientists examined over 500 Illinois primary school families for the study. These families were asked about food security, planning, preparation, and mealtime organization. The researchers found three family profiles after doing a pattern analysis.
A third profile group made about 18% of the sample. Their food security was between the other two categories. However, they reported meal planning efficacy and home disarray similar to food secure households.
According to a JAMA Network Open research, having meals with family improves diets, especially in teens. Family meals encourage teens to eat more veggies and fruits and less fast food and sugary drinks.
Canadian researchers found that regular family dinners help avoid teenage eating problems, alcohol, substance usage, violence, sadness, and suicidal ideation.
Shared family dinners in adolescence were linked to lower weight difficulties 10 years later in a Journal of Pediatrics research. To prevent weight issues in children, it suggests families meet once or twice a week.
Encourage your kids to share their day. Children should pick their seats and help with dinnertime responsibilities like serving and cleaning.