9 Scientifically Proven Reasons to Eat Dinner as a Family

Families who eat together, stay together.

Courtesy of almost every family sitcom made in the last 60 years, the family dinner as we know it is an occasion for meatloaf, mashed potatoes, at least one fight over the salt shaker, and a few failed attempts at finding out how school was. Though cliche, this familiar scene highlights an important part of being a family, a meaningful gathering, a sacred time - dinner. With family dinners on the decline these nine science-based reasons are proof that, meatloaf or not, family dinners are important.

1. FAMILY DINNERS MEAN BETTER FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

Eating meals together has the potential to strengthen family bonds as it provides a daily time for the whole family to be together. For younger children, routine family meals can provide a sense of security and a feeling of belonging in the family. Older children and teenagers, too, prefer eating together as a family.

2. FAMILY MEALS LEAD TO HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES

Eating family dinners is associated with healthy dietary food patterns. A 2000 survey found that the nine to 14-year-olds who ate dinner with their families most frequently consumed more fruits and vegetables and less soda and fried foods. Their diets also had higher amounts of many key nutrients, like calcium, iron, and fiber.

3. EATING AS A FAMILY LEADS TO BETTER GRADES

Studies have proven that there’s a significant link between family dinners and academic performance. A report by CASA found that teens who have between five and seven family dinners per week were twice as likely to report receiving mostly A’s and B’s in school, compared to those teens who have fewer than three family dinners per week. In addition, only 9% of teens who ate frequently with their families did poorly in school, according to the report.

4. FAMILY DINNERS ARE A CHANCE TO EXPLORE NEW FOODS

Family meals have proven to be perfect opportunities for parents to expose children to different foods and expand their tastes.

5. FAMILY DINNERS LEAD TO GREATER HAPPINESS

Research examining 5,000 teenagers has shown that when children eat with their parents regularly, they are more likely to be emotionally strong and have better mental health. Teens who ate regular family meals were also more likely to be adjusted, have good manners and communication skills. This effect is not restricted to the children - mothers who ate with their families often were also found to be happier and less stressed as compared to mothers who did not.

6. HOMEMADE MEALS PROMOTE PORTION CONTROL

The average restaurant meal has as much as 60% more calories than a homemade meal. Combine the fact that portions served in restaurants are continuing to expand with that fact that when we’re presented with more food, we’re more likely to eat more food, and it becomes clear that eating at home is simply healthier.

7. FAMILY DINNERS EQUAL HEALTHY KIDS

When families eat together, young children are less likely to be overweight or obese because these children are eat regular, nutritious, home cooked meals, and also help in making or serving those meals.

8. FAMILY DINNERS RELIEVE STRESS

If you have a demanding job, finding time to eat with your family may actually leave you feeling less stressed.

9. EATING AT HOME SAVES MONEY

The full article can be read on the Goodnet Website

Article Source; Goodnet Website, written by Mirele Mann