On the Menu—The Future of Family Meals
Dietitian, Professional Chef, Nutrition Consultant and Cookbook Author: ALL ABOUT FOOD Nutrition Consulting, Halifax, Nova Scotia
While a fair amount of research has been conducted on the subject of family meals, it’s difficult to compare prevalence data. However, one thing we do know is that the benefits of family meals are difficult to overstate and that the long-term effects are substantial. Eating meals as a family during adolescence may have a positive influence on diet quality and patterns that persist into adulthood. The nutritional benefits for children, adolescents, and their parents are considerable, ranging from the consumption of more fruits, vegetables, grains and calcium-rich foods to a substantially lower intake of fried foods, soft drinks, and total and saturated fats. At least one study has shown that children who eat supper more frequently as a family at home are at decreased risk for overweight or obesity. Nutritional benefits are also demonstrated for older adults eating family style meals together with others in residential care settings. Various studies also indicate that family meals confer non-nutritional benefits as well, including decreased substance abuse, strengthened family relationships and greater communication.
Beyond delving into the importance of family meals, this presentation will also explore the benefits of preparing food at home (from cost control to nutrient control) and the state of domestic cooking skills and will look at how cooking at home has changed as a result of the abundance of convenience foods and our fast-paced, multitasking lifestyles. Lastly, we’ll take a glimpse into the future and discuss how tomorrow’s parents will go about getting a healthy meal on the table.
