 |
|
|
| |
Eat as many family meals together as possible, at a table with the TV off.
 Health risks of not eating family meals:
- Lack of family interaction or connection.
- Eating in front of a TV or computer distracts from the taste, texture and flavors of food. You may not notice how much you are eating, and this can lead to weight gain.
- Eating in front of TV results in you eating faster, so you end up eating more than you need.
- Your child lacks role models for healthy eating behaviors.
- Family members are more likely to select less healthy options for meals and snacks.
Benefits of family meals:
- Family members can share the joys and challenges of the day.
- Parents have a chance to teach family values, healthy eating behaviors and table manners.
- Kids who eat with their family tend to eat healthier foods. They also learn and behave better in school.
- Eating together at the table helps to eat slower and pay more attention to body cues of fullness.
What you can do:
- Plan meals and snacks throughout the day that include food from all food groups.
- Schedule specific days and times to eat family meals.
- Clear off the table so your family has a place to eat.
- Turn off the TV during mealtime so family members can focus on each other and the food being eaten.
- Encourage children to help prepare the meal. Let children help with tasks based on their abilities. Younger children can set the table, make a salad or help measure ingredients. Older children can cook simple items with supervision.
|
|
| |
|
|
