Improving Health and Well-Being Through Shared Family Meals

Authors

Halle Larson
Savannah Daines, Utah State UniversityFollow
Stacy Bevan, Utah State UniversityFollow
Palak Gupta, Utah State UniversityFollow
Mateja R. Savoie-Roskos, Utah State UniversityFollow

Document Type

Factsheet

Publisher

Utah State University Extension

Publication Date

12-16-2024

First Page

1

Last Page

6

Abstract

Shared family meals provide numerous benefits for children, adolescents, and parents, including improved diet quality, healthier weight, better academic performance, stronger family bonds, and enhanced mental health. Regular family meals help children develop healthier eating habits, reduce risky behaviors, and foster communication skills. Despite challenges such as busy schedules and differing dietary preferences, families can overcome obstacles by starting small, keeping meals simple, involving everyone in meal prep, and minimizing distractions like screens. Creating a positive, flexible mealtime routine can help integrate these valuable moments into family life.

Recommended Citation

Larson, H., Daines, S., Bevan, S., Gupta, P., & Savoie Roskos, M. (2024). Improving health and well-being through shared family meals [Fact sheet]. Utah State University Extension.