Eating With Benefits: Habits (Part II)

Enough with all our bad habits, let's look at the good things we can do!

Habits Part Deux

 

Set those tables and gather round.  This part is all about the when and where we eat.  My two year old saw these tables and started making chewing sounds.  He knows what that table is for, the question is whether it's ever getting used in your home?

Sometimes we got to dress it up to bring all the family to the table. 

 

Things to consider:

How often do I sit down at the table and eat with my family, even it's just two of us?

How quick do I get through that meal?  Is it always in a rush?

 

What does any of this have to do with eating well?

It's alarming the statistics out there on how many families eat out on a regular basis...as in two-three times a week. 

I've heard it all..."We are so busy."  "I don't have time to cook."  "I'm too tired to cook."  Been there, felt that.  Later on in the series I will go into more detail of how to make things possible and it's not as difficult as we think, but for now I want to talk about the benefits of making eating together a priority.

 

Let's Begin

1. Eat with your family regularly at home.  Even if it's just once a week, that's a start.  It doesn't have to be dinner.  It could be any meal, just make it happen.  There are loads of programs that encourage this practice and even more science to back it up.  It's a tradition that is slowly diminishing and on so many levels, we can't afford this to happen.  Eating well isn't just about eating, it's about well being in general.  When families eat together regularly studies have shown that they are less likely to struggle in school, be involved in substance abuse, or have an eating disorder.  Research has shown kids usually have more confidence, feel secure, have better grades...the list could go on.  Sitting at the table together seems like a task OFTEN, but don't give in to the TV or anything else.  Set that table and sit together.  The rewards are priceless!
2. Slow down, enjoy your meal and drink!  I know we are busy, but sometimes it's so nice to just sit and relax.  I think it's why people love Thanksgiving at least that's why I love it.  Family gathers around, we eat and have some of the best conversations.  When we slow down while we eat, we are able to actually recognize when we are full and control our portions.  Throw in some drink preferably water often between your bites and you will be well on your way to enjoying every bite without losing the benefits.
3. Give yourself eating time zones.  I learned this from a book I read.  Technically, I was already doing it but the author helped me understand better to implement the idea.  Eating time zones let us control our habits to eat when we are bored or emotional.  We aren't cows so stop grazing all day!  My four year old I really had to put my  foot down with the time zones.  He wanted to eat all the time, especially if I wasn't giving him my undivided attention.
• Here are my time zones for the kids:
• breakfast ends by 6:30am - 9:00am
•  snack around 10:30-11:00
•  lunch between noon and 1:00
•  another light snack between 3:30-5:00
• dinner 6:15
• If they miss a meal they have to wait on the next time zone before they can have anything.  I am very adamant about not letting my boys eat after 5:00.  I find they will almost always eat their dinner.  Sometimes I make adjustments, but for the most part this works best with my schedule.
4. Let yourself be hungry.  When you miss a time zone, it's okay.  Yes, you may feel hungry but that's okay.  Somewhere in time someone decided we should never let our tummy growl.  This is false.  I know hungry kids make fussy kids, but adults and teens, it's important to know that one missed meal you will not die!  It's okay to be hungry.