Healthy Living: Local News

Studies Show Benefits of Sharing Meals As A Family

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Story Updated: May 11, 2012

Shared mealtimes are not only a family ritual, they're also good for your health.

Studies show that shared mealtimes result in your child being 35% less likely to engage in disordered eating, 24% more likely to eat healthier foods and 12% less likely to be overweight.

Research also shows shared mealtimes can result in significant benefits such as reduced delinquency, greater academic achievement and improved mental health.

Registered dietitian Cathy Moore of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County appeared on 7 News at Noon Friday to discuss the benefits.

Click on the picture to watch her interview.

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SANDY JENNINGS said on Saturday, May 12 at 7:40 PM

Between demanding work schedules, after school activities and sport practice/games it did make it difficult for us to sit down to dinner as a family. However, during this busy time we were able to sit down as a family 2-3 times a week. It was a great time to discuss their activities, world events and upcoming events. It is unfortunate that so many families don't take advantage of this time. Sitting down for dinner has declined severely in the last 20 years. Due to both parents working, after school activities, meetings and sporting demands. I agree with Cathy Moore that there are many benefits with families sitting down for dinner as much as they can because before you know it they will be grown and gone just as my kids are now. Enjoy your kids while you can as they do grow up.

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