Benefits of Eating Together

When was the last time you and your family sat down and dined together? Maybe it was this morning for breakfast. Or, maybe it was sometime over the weekend for lunch or dinner. Although you may be able to proudly say that your family eats together every night or most nights of the week, many others often find that busy schedules get in the way.

If you’re nodding your head in agreement that conflicting schedules have prevented you and your family from eating together at least once a day, then you may want to consider making your New Year’s Resolution to be finding more time to enjoy meals as a family! Did you know that eating together actually has several benefits for each family member, in addition to the simple fact that you’re able to spend quality time together? To learn how eating together is beneficial for you and your family, see below:

1. 1. 1. Health and Nourishment: Preparing home cooked meals for the family is a great way to improve the health of each family member. When you each must grab a quick meal on the go, you’re more likely to choose fast food options. However, meals cooked together at home tend to contain more fruits, vegetables and other nutritious products that contain things like fiber and vitamins A and C.

1. 1. 2. Improved Academic Performance: Did you know that teenagers who eat dinner four or more times a week with their family have higher rates of academic success? If your child isn’t obtaining the grades they hoped for, take a look at how often you eat together as family.

1. 3. Manners and Social Skills: For those of you who have little ones at home, eating meals together is the perfect way to teach and practice using manners. Furthermore, eating together can benefit each member of the family by the way it allows you to work on your social skills! Since technology has started to become the center of attention, spending time face to face with one another allows you to engage in meaningful conversations for an extended period of time.

While it may be difficult to find time to schedule at least one meal together every day, the more you can, the better! Even if it means eating earlier or later than desired, making it a point to enjoy your meals as a family can truly make a difference.

So, do you have plans for the next time your family will eat together? If you’d prefer to enjoy your next meal together out, bring everyone down to a Chip’s near you! After all, we are a family restaurant – what better place to choose?