In my last post, I advocated for family mealtime as a great New Years family resolution.  but if you need some more convincing here are some reasons why eating as a family may the key to a healthier child.

First of all, we are moving in the right direction! So congrats to all the families out there who have made family mealtime a goal.

• 59% of families report eating dinner together at least five times a week—an increase from only 47% in 1998*

But want to see some proof in the "pudding".  Here are some studies that show why  you want to make family mealtime your key family health goal:

• 9- to 14-year-olds who ate dinner with their families most frequently ate more fruits and vegetables and less soda and fried foods*
• After a busy day, spending time around the table together as a family has been shown to reduce stress. (a study from Brigham Young University)*
• You can introduce new vegetables and with increased exposures, your child may be willing to eat these new foods i.e. vegetables. (European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2003)*
• Eating at home allows you to teach children to control their portion sizes.  The average restaurant meal has as much as 60% more calories than a homemade meal. 
• Eating together as a family may actually help children do better in school*! (Purdue University Center for Family' Promoting Meals Project)

Nourish Thought for the Day:  

The benefits of family time is immeasurable.