October is Eat Better, Eat Together Month. Why would there be a month to encourage this? This designation is meant to promote better eating habits and to encourage more shared meals together. It turns out there are many benefits to doing this.
For instance, families with kids, gathering around the table has been shown to be a key factor kid’s wellbeing. Did you know that 46% of Americans eat dinner alone? Consequently, this can have health risks.
Risks of Eating Alone or Unfocused Eating
- Isolation – eating alone can lead to loneliness and even depression.
- Consistency – by eating meals with others at specific times it can hold you accountable for eating better. This can include not skipping meals or overindulging.
- Nutrition – again, eating with someone can alleviate distracted or “eating on the move” patterns. These both can tend to provide opportunities to eat for convenience which are often quick and less nutritious options. Most importantly cooking at home helps consume fewer carbohydrates, less sugar, and less processed foods compared to those who cook less or not at all.
Tips for Eating Together
- Get everyone involved whether young kids, teenagers, or grandparents. Spending time in preparing and working together is part of the experience. Young children can set the table or wash fruits and vegetables.
- Schedule meals together. This may be just once a week to start but find a time that everyone in the household is available. It doesn’t have to be dinner either. Maybe a weekend breakfast would work better for your family or friends.
- Make a plan for the meal. This can include preparing as much as possible ahead of time. For example, if you are preparing a meal that can freeze well, double that recipe and freeze half for a quick meal prep when you are short of time, but everyone will be available to share a meal.
- Keep mealtime a pleasant time. This definitely is not the time to discuss problems or challenges. Plus, it is not good for your digestion!
- Finally, unplug from technology as this will encourage everyone to connect with each other.
Eating together provides an opportunity for children, parents, grandparents, and friends to connect with one another. Best of all it has been found that families or friends that eat together tend to eat more nutritious meals.
In other words, sharing a meal is a great opportunity to socialize, make new friends, and foster relationships, friendship, and community. How many meals a week do you eat with friends or family? Is a time you enjoy? What is your favorite food you like to share with others?
Be blessed and be a blessing,
Heather