Eat As A Family

Benefits of a family meal

It can be challenging to find time to plan, prepare and share family meals, but the benefits of eating as a family go beyond nutrition.  It can also be a time to connect and catch up on the day’s events.

Make a point to involve the entire family in the planning and preparation of the meal, which will make your time at the table more fun.

Try this helpful family meal planner and visit Chop Chop for healthy recipes for kids.

Family goals

Get fit as family! Setting goals together can help your family develop and stick to healthy habits.

Goals should be specific and achievable.

Here are some examples:

• This week we will eat dinner as a family at least four times.
• We will not drink soda this week.
• Every night this week we will take a walk after dinner.

 Set a simple family reward to celebrate your success and keep you motivated.

Print the H.O.W. F.I.T. Family Goals Worksheet and stick it on the refrigerator to keep you on track

Fast and easy fajitas

Learn how to make a quick and healthy fajita meal as a family.  This is a great recipe to have on hand for a busy night.

Facts about fast food

A fast food meal can easily contain more fat than one should eat in an entire day and have a day’s worth of calories.

Explore Fast Food F.A.C.T.S., a web site developed by Yale University health researchers, to learn more about fast food nutrition and marketing to children.

Have a Nourishing Conversation

Family meals are great way for family members to check in with each other. Mealtime conversations with parents can help improve children’s self-esteem and lower the risk of mental health issues and substance abuse. Family meals may also help protect children from the negative consequences of bullying. Learn how to help if a child is being bullied due to weight.