Family Meals May Prevent Eating Disorders

With school, sports, playdates and late nights at the office all vying for your family’s time, it’s difficult to get everyone to sit down around the table for dinner. But new studies suggest that doing just that can make your kids healthier and happier. Experts at the University of Minnesota studied 2,516 adolescents over the course of five years. At the end of the period, they found that teenage girls who ate five or more meals with their family every week in 1999 were significantly less likely to report eating disorders in 2004.

Although this study did not show a similar pattern among adolescent boys, all children can benefit from the consistency offered by routine family meals. Teens who sit down with their parents tend to eat more healthful meals and learn important social and communication skills. For years, researchers have said children who often eat meals with their families are less likely to smoke cigarettes, consume alcohol and use marijuana. Here are a few ideas to help your family get started on a mealtime schedule:
 
Involve everyone in the planning. If evenings are too tough for your brood, have family breakfasts together. Just make sure everyone knows when the meal will begin. Asparagus ‘N Parmesan Omelet, Cheesy Mediterranean Scramble and Western Egg Sandwiches contain both fiber and protein to help start everyone’s day.
 
Ask your kids to participate in the food preparation. Investing kids in the process will teach them valuable cooking skills they can use to prepare their own meals when the family isn’t able to get together.
 
Gather some quick and easy recipes. 15-Minute Beef Stew, All-American Salad and Asian Pork Fried Rice Dinner get dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes. Simple but flavorful dishes like these are also a healthier alternative to takeout.
 
Pin down a few budget-friendly dishes. Go easy on your wallet with Alfredo Primavera, Brazilian Fish Stew, Chicken Chili and Latin American Bbq Pork Chops.
 
Serve up kids’ favorites. Anytime Quesadillas, Baked Fish Sticks, Cheddar Cheese Steak Sandwiches and Golden Chicken Nuggets are sure to draw finicky eaters to the table. Serve Crunchy Fruit Salad or Hearty Ranch Salad on the side.