An iconic image of American culture, for many, is of the family gathering around the table for dinner. Sadly, this staple routine has become all but history for many Americans.Today, most of the county’s primary meals consist of processed, high calorie fast foods; while nutrient rich whole foods slip further and further away from the table.
Recently studies from institutions including, Harvard, University of Minnesota and Rutgers have begun to recognize the importance of past social activities and the behaviors developed from them. Results from these studies, “have shown [people] who regularly have meals with family eat more fruits, vegetables and calcium-rich foods, get more vitamins and nutrients, and consume less junk food .” Essentially this time becomes a strategy for promoting not only healthier, long-term eating habits, but also communication amongst family members. With everyone’s schedules run in different directions, gathering family members atthe table encourages a stronger family bond. “Children from highly connected families have been shown to eat healthier foods, achieve better grades and present lower risks for smoking, drug and alcohol use”. Perhaps our forefathers had the right idea when they gathered the family together for at least one meal a day. The simple act of gathering together can ultimately lead to greater outcomes over time.
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