Eating together has many benefits
By Melissa Sattler Gordon, El Paso County Public Health Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Division Manager
October is National Eat Better, Eat Together Month. It’s a great time to start enjoying meals together if you’re not already doing so. Eating together goes beyond what we eat. According to experts, it provides the opportunity to talk about your day, share thoughts, ideas and feelings and enjoy listening to our loved ones.
In the fast-paced lives we lead, taking time and simple steps such as eating together helps to build strong and healthy connections, in addition to the health benefits of promoting good eating habits and mindful eating.
For adults, sharing a meal with family, friends or colleagues offers numerous benefits, including stress relief.
Eating with kids
For kids, the benefits of eating together can be even greater!
- Dinnertime discussions at the table can help children communicate more effectively, improving their vocabulary and self-esteem.
- Children who eat with family often have the opportunity to learn more about healthy foods.
- Kids who eat healthy foods with their families are more likely to choose those foods when they are on their own.
- All those healthy nutrients help your child’s body and brain develop, while helping them (and you!) maintain a healthy weight.
Remember, when you are eating with your children, try to model healthy habits. Serve nutritious, balanced meals. Eat mindfully. Practice healthy portion control. Enjoy trying new things. Your kids will learn these healthy habits from you!
Other tips
Here are more tips to observe Eat Better, Eat Together month:
- Make a meal together or organize a potluck with your family, friends or coworkers.
- Clear your kitchen. Swap out high sodium and sugary foods for healthier versions such as fruits and vegetables.
- Put away the electronics. Sit down and enjoy your meal as well as each other’s company. Setting aside your phone and turning off the television allows you to focus all your attention on each other.
- Invite your children to help in the kitchen. Involving kids in the kitchen gives them confidence and provides them with a life-long skill. In addition, kids are more likely to eat what they have a role in preparing.
- Pick a simple, practical menu. Sure, those complicated recipes in your fanciest cookbook look exciting, but most people don’t have time to cook for hours on a weeknight. Try to focus on the ingredients, including protein, fiber and fruits/vegetables. Limit sugar, saturated fat and salt. Simple meals can be just as enjoyable as complex ones.
- Create a meal schedule. Set aside time each week to choose what meals you would like to cook and eat together as a family or with friends. Make sure to shop for all the ingredients you will need! Plan for some easy meals in case you are busy.
- Remember what matters. Even if you burn the meal or a special person can’t make it, eating together can still be enjoyable. Sharing company, talking about your day, working together to make a meal and simply sitting down with people you love brings joy to the day.
Eating together can happen at any time of the day, whenever it works best for you and your loved ones. If dinner is not a good time to eat together, try breakfast, lunch or tea/coffee breaks. Keep in mind the benefits of sharing time with your loved ones and make it part of your schedule. Bon appetite!
