October is Eat Better, Eat Together Month

Eating meals as a family increases self-regulation of food intake and diet quality. It protects against eating disorders in children and in teenagers.

"Family meal culture, encompassing values as well as practices, shapes young people's eating behaviors."

Source: https://iaap-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/aphw.12034​

More frequent family meals contribute to a lower risk of disordered eating, drug and alcohol abuse, violent behavior, feelings of depression, or suicidal thoughts in adolescents. "There is a positive relationship between frequent family meals and increased self-esteem and school success. Studies show substantial differences in outcomes for male and female children and adolescents, with females having more positive results." Source: https://www.cfp.ca/content/61/2/e96.short​

The more frequent the family meals, the higher the breakfast and fruit consumption, the lower the depression symptoms, and the lower the risk of overweight and obesity. The number of family meals reported affecting these results for better was recorded at 5 to 7 family meals per week.

Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1054139X09001141​

Even in the case of a busy family, strive to have at least 5 meals together: at least 2 on the weekends and 3 during the week. Increase the frequency if possible.

Have a family-focused day,

Girlene