Study shows benefits for families that eat together

For a variety of reasons and in a number of studies, dining as a family tends to be far more healthy for kids than for those who do not. The ideals of family dining together run so deeply in American culture that it has become part of our society.
Perhaps it is the bond that it creates. When families sit around the table, talking about their days, talking about the positives and negatives, complementing each other and even fighting, it crafts a reliable, sturdy atmosphere that all families crave.
“Studies show that the more often families eat together, the less likely kids are to smoke, drink, do drugs, get depressed, develop eating disorders and consider suicide, and the more likely they are to do well in school, delay having sex, eat their vegetables, learn big words and know which fork to use,” Times magazine recently reported.
Though sometimes families do eat together, it is likely to include a trip out to eat at a restaurant or fast food place.
“Indeed, over 40 percent of the typical American food budget is spent on eating out, with family meals often being relegated to holidays and special occasions,” Science Daily reported.
Not only does this affect the family budget, but it also affects the health of the kids, as eating at restaurants makes an unhealthy diet. Not only can eating together around the dinner table solve the family budget issue and create a reliable atmosphere, but it also can deter eating disorders.
“Studies have shown that when family meals are prioritized, structured and positive in atmosphere, fewer weight control problems and disordered eating patterns were observed,” NYU Child Study Center reported.How many times in a week do you eat with your family?