Connecting with people over a meal can be a powerful way to improve our overall health and well-being. Whatever family looks like to you, taking time to enjoy a meal with others is linked to improved physical, emotional, and mental health. Here we share some of the benefits of connecting over a meal and inspiration for your next gathering.

Better nutritional quality & physical health

Enjoying a family meal together is associated with better eating. Some research suggests that the more often families eat together, the more likely the kids are to have a healthier diet. This can lead to better nutritional health overall and may help to lay the groundwork for lifelong healthy eating.

Start small by trying to add one more family meal each week. If that still feels like a challenge, some research shows that spending just 10 more minutes at the table is associated with better diet quality in kids. Consider adding a family breakfast to your weekly schedule or having a breakfast for dinner night which can often be easier to prep. Here’s some recipe inspiration to get you started.

Better mental and emotional health

Fitting in more family meals is also linked to better mental health.  One study found frequent family meals were associated with better family relationships, lower depression scores in kids, and higher overall well-being scores. Parents who enjoyed frequent family meals reported feeling less stress and lower depressive symptoms as well as higher self-esteem.

Take time to enjoy a meal together without taking a ton of time to cook. Here are 5 dinner ideas that take 40 minutes or less to prepare to get you started.

Family meals are linked to physical and emotional benefits. Sharing a meal together creates a safe place for conversation, modeling positive eating behaviors, and connecting with one another. Learn more about the benefits of family meals through the Family Meals Movement and check out more of our tips for eating together more often.