The Family Meal is Nourishing Beyond Nutrition :: Emotional and Mental Health

The Family Meal is Nourishing Beyond Nutrition

When was the last time you had a special meal at home? Was it Easter, a birthday or even as far back as Christmas? Many of us grew up in homes where family meals were the norm. However, many of today’s children are, unfortunately, the first generation in history not required to participate in that primal rite of socialization–the family meal. With increased work hours, our modern and “convenient” ways, and the growing number of split homes, the concept of the family meal has seemingly evolved into a “special occasions only” situation.

The missing family meal is affecting our overall wellness in ways beyond nutrition. While food is literally the fuel on which our bodies run and is necessary for survival, it is much more–food is intimately related to nourishment of a different kind. The rituals of how and when we eat are deeply related to our emotional health and our human roots. Sharing food is sharing survival, belonging, nourishment, growth, experiences and values. There is no comfort in eating on the run, no company in heating up leftovers on your own, little communication while munching in front of the television, and minimal nutrition from fast food options.

A Harvard Medical School study found that there are nutritional–as well as social, emotional and academic advantages–that occur in children when families share meals. Children given the advantage of sharing family meals tend to eat healthier foods than those who don’t, and also benefit from a sense of belonging and stability. Kids who eat with their families have fewer behaviour problems and higher grades in school than those who do not. Teenagers who eat regular family meals are less likely to be depressed. Research also shows that the more often teens eat dinner with their parents, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or do drugs.

If you think you’re too busy to have family meals, then you’re probably right–you’re too busy. Whether you realize it or not, this means you’re too busy to catch up with family at the end of the day, to set an example of respect, communication, table manners, nutrition, love and fun for your children through the important ritual of the family meal. Eating together should be a priority aside from major holidays, whether you have children or not.

The family meal can be a relaxing and enjoyable time, not just something else to fit in. Ancient Eastern scriptures prescribe a relaxed mealtime, suggesting we chew each bite of our food 32 times–once for every tooth. Go ahead–relax. Physiologically, a stressed person does not digest well and does not absorb necessary nutrients from food. Slowing down to enjoy food and family means better digestion, better communication and a better life.

Be creative. Start your own traditions. Bring your child shopping. Ask your teenager to help you plan a meal or share a cooking night. Planning is key in the success of a family meal. Plan a time when you’re all free and look forward to the upcoming meal. Try something new. Have fun. Cook with love; your food will taste better. Enjoy a family breakfast if the day doesn’t allow for dinner together.

Don’t wait for Thanksgiving. Nourish yourself and your family now–you’ll have more to be thankful for once the next holiday meal comes. Declare family meals as sacred, even if you start with just one a week. Every family meal is a special occasion–there’s much to celebrate–and any small step or effort toward this ritual will reap great rewards for health and beyond. Bon appétit.

Sandra Tonn, former editor of alive and Healthy Living Guide, is a freelance natural health journalist, holistic nutrition consultant and natural health speaker in Vancouver, BC. E-mail: sandra_tonn@telus.net.

Source: alive #252, October 2003

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