Health Benefits of Eating Together

Traditionally, dietitians have focused on what we eat, how much we eat and sometimes, when we eat. With this year’s Nutrition Month theme of “eating together”, dietitians are noticing that how we eat, or more specifically, who we eat with, is important as well.

About 60% of Canadians report eating supper together at home at least five times per week,¹ but statistics show that this number may be on the decline as people have less time to eat at home. In 2005, the average worker spent only 45 minutes per day for meals at home, versus 60 minutes per day in 1986.² Families are also less likely to eat together as children grow older.¹ Overall, about 13% of Canadians eat dinner together with their families less than once per week.

Most people already know that meals prepared at home are generally healthier than dining out as there is more control over what and how much is eaten. This is reflected in the fact that children and adolescents who frequently eat together with their families tend to eat more fruits, vegetables, calcium-rich foods and grains, while consuming less fast food, junk food and soft drinks. They are also at lower risk of becoming overweight or obese, and of developing eating disorders.

More importantly, the benefits of family dinner go beyond nutrition. There is good evidence that adolescents who eat more frequently with their families are less likely to engage in high-risk behaviours, such as smoking cigarettes or marijuana, drinking alcohol, getting into fights or initiating sex at an early age.¹ They are also more likely to do better in school and possess positive developmental assets, such as good family communication, appropriate peer and adult role models, strong commitment to learning and high self-esteem and sense of purpose.¹ In addition to healthy food, family dinners provide a forum for socialization and for parents to help guide their childrens’ behaviours. Having a scheduled mealtime probably keeps them out of trouble as well!

Of course, getting the family together for a meal is more easily said than done. Time is the number one barrier, as parents and kids alike are becoming increasingly busy with work and extracurricular activities, respectively. Accommodating for different tastes is another common struggle. Still others simply don’t know how to cook, or feel that cooking for the entire family is too expensive. Our article, “Family Dinner Dilemmas – Solved!” will address some of these issues with practical tips for you to try!