Eating regularly around a table with family or friends is good for both grownups and children alike. The family that eats together, stays together. You’ve likely heard this before, so why is it so important?
- Social eating encourages feelings of community and togetherness
A gathering at mealtimes is something that humans have always done since the times of cavemen. This positive experience helps family members to maintain relationships, as well as fostering feelings of belonging. For children, this regular coming together helps them to feel secure, safe and of course, loved. This pattern is then learned and instilled in the child for the rest of their life, providing a sense of tradition and values.
- Family mealtimes help with healthier food choices
Studies have shown that children and adolescents who sit down to eat dinner with their family, regularly ate more fruit and vegetables and less fried food and fizzy drinks. Their diets also contained more key vitamins and minerals. Social eating gives us the chance to talk about what we eat and prompt discussions about nutrition and health.
- Higher grades?
You might not see the connection initially, but studies have shown a definite link between family mealtimes and better academic performance. Teenagers who ate with their families between 5-7 times a week were twice as likely to be getting A and B grades in school.
- Increased happiness
Those who eat regularly with family are more likely to be strong emotionally and less likely to suffer from poor mental health. Social eating is also perfect for developing communication and learning manners and etiquette, which are vital for increased self-confidence in children. Make yourself even happier with a replica designer Tulip Dining Table for the family to enjoy eating together. Find your Tulip Dining Table at Pash Classics.
- Portion control
When homemade meals are consumed, portion control is much easier. When people eat out or order takeaway, there are on average 60% more calories consumed than when eating at home. With so much more choice, we’re also far more inclined to overeat.
- Weight management
Families who eat together are less likely to be overweight or obese, especially if they are regularly enjoying healthier home cooked dinners. Children are able to help out with the cooking and serving, learning more about food and nutrition for the future.
- Less stress
We all have demanding lives, whether it’s long hours at work, childcare, family commitments or all of the above. Finding the time to eat with our family helps to relieve some of the stress we might be feeling from juggling the demands of modern life.
Buying ingredients, cooking them at home and sitting down to eat together is a lot cheaper than living off convenience and fast food. Studies have concluded that eating at home is around half as expensive as eating food from outside the home. Think of all the wonderful things you could spend your saved money on instead!
