I was perusing articles when I happened upon my thesis for my master’s degree. I hadn’t read it for a while and enjoyed seeing it again. The topic was on dietary fiber intake and the prevention of type 2 Diabetes in kids. The below is about the importance of dining with family.

Among adolescents, there is a correlation between family meals and psychosocial well–being. Sampling a racially diverse group of adolescents, Eisenberg et al. concluded that family connectedness through family meals enhanced the well being of adolescents and was inversely associated with risk behaviors such as tobacco use, low grade point average and depressive symptoms.

Family meals were also compared to nutrient intake as compared to fast food intake which rises during the adolescent years. Frequency of fast food restaurant use (FFFRU) was positively correlated with intake of total energy, percent of energy from fat, daily servings of soft drinks, cheeseburgers, French fries and pizza and was inversely associated with daily servings of fruit, vegetables, and milk. FFRU was also positively correlated with increased television viewing, student employment and perceived barriers to healthy eating. Family meals at all groups are an important determinant of health.

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So many reasons for taking the time for a family meal. It’s so important! Enjoy the time with your family! Even if you dine alone, please do dine-don’t just eat.