Having family meals together can boost physical and mental well-being

Hectic schedules can make family meals challenging, but research shows that eating together has big benefits: better nutrition, healthier relationships, and reduced stress.

There is even evidence to suggest that teens who eat with the family have fewer risky behaviors. Work or school performance is better and food costs are reduced. Other benefits include:

◼ Nutrition: Family meals tend to include more fruits and vegetables and fewer fried foods than meals eaten alone. Plus, research suggests that eating together as a family helps children of all ages adopt healthy eating habits. It could even keep excess weight at bay.

◼ Relationships: Shared meals provide an opportunity to learn more about family members’ interests.

◼ Stress relief: Research suggests that children who communicate with their parents during family meals show fewer signs of depression and anxiety.

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