9781422269862

relationships. Children and adolescents also gain self-esteem and resilience, master good conversation skills, learn the value of routine, get better grades in school, and experience less depression and anxiety. They also have lower rates of substance abuse, eating disorders, and teen pregnancy. Not only do these teens and children learn about food and nutrition, they also become physically healthier, because home cooked meals usually contain fewer calories and less fat, sugar, and salt than meals eaten in restaurants, while providing more fruit, vegetables, fiber, and protein. Studies have shown that kids who eat meals with their families during childhood usually end up eating more healthfully as adults, have better cardiovascular health, and are less prone to obesity. Overcoming Obstacles and Excuses Anne Fishel, a family therapist and the executive director of the nonprofit Family Dinner Project, says that only about 30 percent of US families eat dinner together on a regular basis. Income level and geographic location don’t matter. The reasons for not sharing meals are similar everywhere: the families are too busy, it’s too much effort to cook dinner every night, and after someone does cook a meal, the picky eaters don’t appreciate it. In addition, people argue too much at the dinner table, everyone is distracted by cell phones, and teenagers seemingly don’t want to eat with their parents. Yet surveys actually prove the opposite. Teens rate family dinner fairly high on their list of favorite things, and 80 percent of them say that family dinner is the best time to talk to their parents. The science is in, and teens can use these facts to convince their parents that the whole family will benefit from a change. It Doesn’t Have to Be Dinner Shared mealtimes can include breakfast, lunch, and snacks as well. If an average week has three meals, and possibly

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Eating Healthier as a Family