Turn TV off for healthy mealtimes

Eating a meal together as a family has a positive influence on children’s diets.

Researchers in New York found children consumed more servings of vegetables and fruits when meals were eaten as a family.

They also found that any positive effect of eating as a family was undone if the family watched TV while eating the meal.

As consumption of vegetables and fruits in childhood is an indicator of lifelong consumption, developing good habits early in life is very important.

The researchers highlight the importance of meal environments that promote healthy eating.

Source: Journal of the American Dietetic Association, April 2007