Many benefits to sharing family meals, eastern Ontario Medical Officer of Health says

A family cooking a meal is seen in this file image. (Pexels)

For some, eating dinner together is a family tradition, but for many families today, sharing a meal together is a casualty of modern-day hustle and bustle.

While it may seem trivial, the Medical Officer of Health and CEO of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit says there are plenty of reasons why families should make it a priority to enjoy eating with one another.

“Doing it everyday is a great idea, but even three, four times a week if you can muster up the time to do it — is a benefit.,” Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, A.K.A. Dr. Paul, told CTV Your Morning Ottawa on Wednesday.

According to Dr. Paul, research shows that family meals carry a variety of benefits for children. He says children who eat frequently with their families have a reduced risk of being overweight later in life, and their grades tend to be higher.

“Eating together three times a week, can actually be healthier for kids. They actually end up eating more vegetables, and eating more healthier foods, and actually do better in school,” he said.

Dr. Paul says family mealtime provides children with an opportunity to destress, vent out and bond with their family, leaving them more relaxed for the school day.

“Its more purposeful. Its more organized. It embeds a routine. It embeds a trust. It embeds an open discussion, and that’s very important,” Dr. Paul said.

The Canada Food Guide recommends trying “to have meals together as a family as often as possible.”

The Food Guide says to avoid rushing through meals and recommends putting away distractions like TV and electronics, something Dr. Paul also notes.

“No distractions,” Dr. Paul said. “So, it has to be no phones, no screens, turn the tv off. Even adults as well.”

Dr. Paul says another great thing parents can do is get their children involved in preparing the meal. While this might be age dependent, Dr. Paul says enlisting young ones in the kitchen helps to build valuable habits.

“Those types of things are very important in terms of bonding,” he said. “They teach kids lifelong habits.”

For those with newborns, Dr. Paul says it’s never too early to start eating family meals together.

“As soon as a baby is able to sit in a highchair, bring the baby over to the table and eat together,” he said.

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