A study by the University of Leeds (United Kingdom) suggests that children learn to eat healthy naturally when eating as a family.
The results of the research have been published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, and they tell us that when children eat with their parents, siblings (and where appropriate, other relatives) increases daily consumption of fruits and vegetables in children. And this happens although these reasons for meeting occur only once or twice a week. So you see, to the list of benefits associated with eating as a family (such as reducing the risk of getting sick from eating disorders or obesity), adds the certainty that in this way children will eat more fruits and vegetables, approaching the goal of 'Five servings a day'.
The investigation was carried out with 2383 children who had an average of 8.38 years, and belonged to 52 Primary schools in London. Finally It was discovered that those who always eat as a family consume 1.5 more servings of fruits and vegetables than those who had no opportunity to share meals with their families. Differences have also been found when it comes to children who only eat with their family twice a week.
In general, researchers realized that 63 percent of children do not consume the amount recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) of five daily pieces
Since eating habits are acquired during childhood, the active presence of parents and other family members (remember that grandparents often act as transmitters of the balanced diet). It is very important for children to receive nutritional education that leads them to eat healthy throughout their lives.
Researcher Meaghan Christian, one of the authors of the study encourages families to strive to share at least one weekly meal with your children. And in general, many nutritionists are considering directing efforts to train parents in a balanced diet, offering solutions so that they are able to offer healthy food to their children, not only for lunch or dinner, but also for Breakfast or snack time.
Let us also take into account that the time of the meal becomes an ideal occasion To talk about what happened to us during the day, comment on concerns and exchange expressions of affection, this always comforts and makes important children feel.
