Why does eating together build strong relationships?
It is more important now than ever before to set aside some time with our families and enjoy a meal together. Eating dinner as a family is widely recognized as a crucial part of raising happy, healthy children, but not only that, it also helps parents learn about their kids’ interests and develop stronger relationships with them. Eating dinner as a family can help strengthen the bond between spouses or partners. Many parents are concerned about their children’s consumption of junk food. To take a healthier path, you should encourage your kids to eat at home with the family. A recent study shows that children who dine with their parents more often are less likely to smoke, drink, or do drugs.
The lead researcher in the study also found that such children who bond with their families at least five times a week are 21% less likely to become obese adults. This can be an excellent chance for families to talk, laugh and bond while enjoying dinner together. Here are some benefits of eating together as a family that can help you influence your children’s eating habits positively:
Building family togetherness
There is no better way to get people together than to have them enjoy the same food. Eating out with family and friends can be a great moment of togetherness, especially when you’re eating something delicious.
It’s a fact that if you eat together, you feel closer to each other. That’s why it’s essential to have food at every family gathering and celebration. However, if you’re unsure what kind of food to cook or order, discuss with family members first and explore different food experiences together.
Kids who take meals together with family members perform better in school
Research has shown that eating meals with family significantly increases social interaction and helps kids do better in school. A new study revealed that eating together as a family improves children’s grades. Researchers analyzed data from 1500 families with children in the third through fifth grades. Overall, those who ate meals together regularly had 4.8% higher scores on reading and math tests than those who did not eat meals together.
Boosting nutrition
Eating a meal with a friend is known to increase the enjoyment factor of food. Nevertheless, did you know that it could also improve your nutritional intake? In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol, students ate pizza while playing a game together. The participants were more likely to choose healthier toppings and nutrition when eating with friends.
Saving time and money
If you want to eat well, spend less, and save time, then you should consider eating together as a family. In the United States alone, the average household spends $2,500 each year on food eaten in the car. The average family also spends an additional $3,000 per year on gas to drive around and buy food. That’s $5,500 spent on food each year that could be saved by eating together as a family.
Regulation weight problems
Americans are gaining weight, and it’s getting harder to keep off of it. The Center for Disease Control estimates that over two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. While the root cause of obesity is difficult to define, one thing that has been proven is that the more often you eat socially with family, friends, or colleagues, the less likely you are to be overweight. Eating together doesn’t just make it easier to control portions and calorie intake. Still, it also creates a sense of community and belonging that is hard to replicate when dining alone. Furthermore, it can ease loneliness. Doctor Michelle May, a gastroenterologist and obesity specialist, suggests eating together with friends and family. Eating together can aid our health, and it can help us make life-long memories. Although eating alone has become a norm in today’s busy world, it isn’t healthy. The more we eat alone, the higher the risk of weight problems.
Final thoughts
Eating together as a family is an effective way to increase communication, improve relationships, and teach children life skills. If you are interested in reaping the benefits of eating together as a family, please follow the above tips and practice them slowly.