Dining at home during the holidays can save money and may play a role in other areas of health.
By Alison Crane
Do you want to save money this holiday season? Most of us would answer yes! One easy way to do that is to commit to eating more meals at home. Not only can you save money by preparing meals for your family at home, but you may be helping to improve their overall health.
According to research from Cornell University conducted by Musick and Meier, children who eat at home on a regular basis may be 35% less likely to have unhealthy eating behaviors, 24% more likely to eat healthier foods, and 12% less likely to be overweight.
Not only does eating meals at home influence nutrition, but it may play a role in other areas of health. In this study, results showed that family dinners tend to have lower levels of depression. Sharing time with the family has significant effects on a child’s mental health, substance use, and delinquency, and makes them better students. This may be due to families spending quality time together and not necessarily the food being served.
While research on family meals is ongoing and more research needs to be done, evidence to date suggests that family meals do provide many benefits for children and youth. Here are some ways to improve family mealtime:
- Set a goal to have regular family meals at least three times per week, if possible. This may not be possible for all families. However, try to find some time during the week to sit down together and enjoy a meal. It may be breakfast or an evening snack. The goal is to spend some quality time together as a family.
- Remember the benefits of consistent family mealtimes. In one of the findings of this particular study, the routine of family meals can generate feelings of closeness and comfort. Even during the holidays, when things are so hectic and disorganized, take comfort in the fact that the simple act of regular mealtimes may be providing your child with stability.
- The quality of family meals is just as important as the quantity. Mealtimes give family members, including children, the opportunity to communicate, so if possible, turn off the TV and ban cell phones. Ask questions during mealtime. How was your day? What did you learn? What made the day great or not?
The holidays are hectic! Eating out with the family can be a “special treat.” However, there are some very valid reasons for eating at home.
To improve your cooking skills or for information related to healthy eating following the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, contact the Garland County Extension Office at 501-623-6841 or email acrane@uada.edu.
Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with the Garland County Extension Service. The UofA System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
