Reviving Family Dinners
The other day a friend and I got on the subject of family dinners. We both were expressing how much we enjoyed them as a child. Even when I didn’t particularly like what was being served I always looked forward to that hour where all of my family members were sitting around the table together. Our family dog usually wasn’t too far either. Dinner was of particular importance to me since I split my time between two families as a child. Since a young age I have always felt the need to cherish those precious moments when family congregated.
The part of our conversation that became disheartening was when we realized how this cherished time, that use to be a daily routine, is almost non-existent in our lighting speed lives.
Of course my over analytical mind began to tick, could this be one of the contributing factors to our rapidly increasing rates of childhood obesity, diabetes, & learning disabilities? Call me crazy but I think I may be on to something, at least a good theory. Hear me out.
While technology is advancing, literally at lightning speed, our bodies have not evolved as quickly. So as we try to keep up with the bajillionth update on our iphones we are getting further and further away from listening to our bodies and inner selves. I don’t need to quote any statistics to illustrate the fact that our bodies’ are in a health crisis; with diseases on a steep incline from Alzheimer’s to Diabetes. It’s time we sloooowww down, listen to our bodies, and enjoy our families. What better way to reconnect than to sit down to a home cooked meal. Not only will you be cherishing moments with loved ones, but you will also be honoring your body with delish & nutrish food made with Ingredient L….love. Coming from a family of 8 children I know how difficult it can be to get everyone in the SAME place at the SAME time AND satisfy varying taste buds. Since I have some experience with this I would like to offer feedback about ways to bring your family back to the table.
Cook your veggies, grains & meats plain then serve everyone’s favorite condiments on a lazy Susan. Solution to different taste buds!
Plan your family dinners on a family calendar. When it is on the calendar it becomes routine.
Get everyone involved in preparation. Let the kids wash the veggies, stir & pour!
Rotate days where each family member gets to pick their fave meal. Then make extra, freeze it & voila! You have extras for nights when everyone wants their OWN fave meal
These are just a few tips for reviving your family meals. As you begin to implement this time together you will find what works for your family specifically.
According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, children who are engaged in family meals have a decreased probability of developing an eating disorder and depression and are less likely to try drugs, alcohol and cigarettes.
This is just a brief illustration that family bonding goes beyond nutritional value.
Gratitude allows for more gratitude. What else is there to be more grateful for than family? I hope my tips have been helpful and that your family will be able to put some of them to use!
If you’d like more support for yourself and your family also check out my service section, I offer support with your healthy food habits and nutrition education.
