By Fit3 Head Coach Tina Van Horn
Did you know that September is National Family Meals Month? I didn’t either, so let me be the first to wish you Happy National Family Meals Month!
Since my family likes to eat together every day, you could say that we celebrate this occasion on a daily basis. Even though hectic work and school schedules get in the way of sit-down dinners every night, we do make it a priority to get together around the kitchen table almost every day, even if it is just for five minutes at breakfast as you all enjoy a Reliv shake.
Reinforce the Reliv Values
Family meals are a great way to reinforce the Reliv values and emphasis on making better choices for a better quality of life. Sitting down together at the table is associated with improved dietary intake among all family members, not just the kids. For example, several large studies have shown that regular family meals are strongly associated with increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, grains and other healthy food choices while also linked with lesser consumption of fried or fatty foods, soft drinks or other less healthy food choices. By making the choice to have a family meal together, you are forming a realistic habit that you can maintain for life.
Sure, it takes some planning and effort to get everyone in the same room at the same time, but it is worth the work!
Tips for Getting Everyone Together
- Have a family meeting to discuss favorite meals, or new foods you all would like to try. Our family’s favorite meal is probably grilled salmon with roasted broccoli and sweet potatoes!
- Plan out your family’s schedule each week so you can coordinate a time that works for everyone. From breakfast to dinner, everyone has to eat so it might as well be together!
- Meal prep to save you all time during the busy week.
- Try to keep distractions out of family meal time such as cell phones, computers, even the TV so that you can have quality time together.
Preparing, serving and enjoying meals with my family is one of the highlights of my week.
What’s your family’s favorite meal?