Meagan Latimer, RD Food $ense Annual Conference

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Objectives Identify benefits of family mealtime Identify benefits of family mealtime Describe and provide solutions to the common barriers that prevent regular family mealtime Describe and provide solutions to the common barriers that prevent regular family mealtime Identify resources that teach families how to plan menus, grocery shop and cook meals Identify resources that teach families how to plan menus, grocery shop and cook meals

Self-evaluation How many of you have family mealtime (can be any meal): How many of you have family mealtime (can be any meal): None None 1-2 times per week 1-2 times per week 3-4 times per week 3-4 times per week 5-6 times per week 5-6 times per week 7 times per week 7 times per week

USA Snapshot

US family mealtime trends

The tradition of family meals: a history

Why was family mealtime important to you? What are some of the best mealtime experiences you remember from your childhood? Please share some experiences.

How is family mealtime saving the world? Emotionally depression depression self-esteem self-esteem Stronger sense of belonging and security family tension family tension behavioral problems behavioral problems Mentally grade-point average grade-point average Improved vocabulary More motivation at school Nutritionally Healthier foods consumed fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy soda and fried foods soda and fried foods calcium, iron, fiber and vitamins calcium, iron, fiber and vitamins Healthier adult diets breakfast consumption in adulthood breakfast consumption in adulthood Physically overweight overweight eating disorders eating disorders use of cigarettes, use of cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana Socially Better adjusted adolescents (able to deal with pressure) Better peer relationships Improved communication Development of values and traditions Strengthened family bonds Social skills learned and practiced Less likely to get into fights

If it were just about food, we would squirt it into their mouths with a tube. A meal is about civilizing children. Its about teaching them to be a member of their culture. - Robin Fox, Rutgers University - Family meals: central daily ritual opportunity in family life. Oasis in a hectic day Oasis in a hectic day Time to reconnect, relax, discuss, debate, support, laugh Time to reconnect, relax, discuss, debate, support, laugh Face-to-face Face-to-face Same activity Same activity Sharing in conversation Sharing in conversation Putting Family First, William J. Doherty, University of MinnesotaPutting Family First, William J. Doherty, University of Minnesota

Recipe for Pleasant Family Mealtimes Start with one busy family. Add a strong commitment to regular family mealtime. Blend in time for family discussion and planning. Sprinkle with compliments and pleasant conversation topics. Yield: Strong family bonds and effective communication.

The feeling of family mealtime Create a positive environment Involve family members in preparation Allow children to choose from nutritional food Have a set time Serve small portions; encourage children to ask for more if they are still hungry Limit TV Plan menus Ask for meal ideas from family members

Cook once, eat twice. Be creative and flexible about when and where you eat. Office Office Park Park Kids sporting event Kids sporting event Office (if working late) Office (if working late) Any meal together counts. Late dinner is fine. Set a minimum number of required family meals per week. Use shortcuts like crock pots or grab-and-go meals. Have breakfast for dinner. Stock staples. Make it fun!!! Use conversation starters, involve other family members, make foods into fun shapes, and laugh!

Overcoming barriers to family mealtime Case studies Case studies Volunteers come and discuss possible solutions for each case. Volunteers come and discuss possible solutions for each case. Answer the questions: Answer the questions: What does family mealtime mean in this case?What does family mealtime mean in this case? What are the barriers?What are the barriers? What are solutions to these barriers?What are solutions to these barriers? What kinds of community resources are available to help this family?What kinds of community resources are available to help this family? Share. Share.

Case Study #1: Marci and Bob

Case Study #2: Felicia and Tom

Case Study #3: Clint

Case Study #4: Gloria

Why is family mealtime an important issue for you? Family and social support can increase compliance to dietary recommendations Family and social support can increase compliance to dietary recommendations Healthier diets in general Healthier diets in general Decreased prevalence of overweight leading to decreased disease Decreased prevalence of overweight leading to decreased disease

The best strategy for improving a childs diet is simply putting food on the table and sitting down together to eat it. ~Tara Parker-Pope, New York Times

Thank you for your attendance and participation. Menus aren't just for restaurants. They deserve a special place of honor in every familys home. Leanne Ely SavingDinner.com