Other key items from research include:

The more families eat at the dinner table, the less teens are to consume illegal drugs, produce eating disorders, drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, become depressed. Family meals during adolescence had a lasting positive influence on the quality of their diets and meal patterns, such as eating breakfast. In other words, having family meals with your teenagers improves their chances of eating right in their 20’s. Young people who eat more often with their families have higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy foods and also more regular family meals mean fewer fried foods and soft drinks. These adolescents also have higher intakes of key nutrients like calcium, iron, vitamins A, B6, C, E, and folate, as well as fiber. Engage kids in meal prep for family dinner. Children are more likely to eat better when they help with meal preparation responsibilities like setting the table or stirring a batter. Most kids enjoy being involved in the cooking process. Admire their efforts! Being engage in cooking healthy meals at an early age can improve long term cooking skills and encourage a healthier lifestyle. And also Families that eat together, stay together. Avoid distractions like television or the phone at dinner time – this way, everyone will be able to stay in touch with each other’s lives.