meagan latimer, rd food $ense annual conference. 5 70 1/3 1/2 2 21
TRANSCRIPT
Meagan Latimer, RDFood $ense Annual Conference
5
701/3
1/22
21
Objectives
Identify benefits of 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
Self-evaluation
How many of you have family mealtime (can be any meal): None 1-2 times per week 3-4 times per week 5-6 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 self-esteem
Stronger sense of belonging
and security¯ family tension
behavioral problems
Mentally grade-point averageImproved vocabulary
More motivation at school
NutritionallyHealthier foods consumed
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy
soda and fried foodscalcium, iron, fiber and vitamins
Healthier adult dietsbreakfast consumption in adulthood
Physically overweight
eating disorders use of cigarettes,
alcohol, and marijuana
SociallyBetter adjusted adolescents (able to deal with pressure)
Better peer relationshipsImproved communication
Development of values and traditions
Strengthened family bondsSocial skills learned and
practicedLess 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. It’s 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 Time to reconnect, relax, discuss, debate,
support , laugh Face-to-face Same activity Sharing in conversation
• Putting 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
environmentInvolve 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· Park · Kids’
sporting event
· 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 Volunteers come and discuss possible
solutions for each case. Answer the questions:
• What does “family mealtime” mean in this case?
• What are the barriers?• What are solutions to these barriers?• What kinds of community resources are
available to help this family? 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
Healthier diets in general
Decreased prevalence of overweight leading to decreased disease
“The best strategy for improving a child’s diet is simply putting food on the table and sitting down together to eat it.”
~Tara Parker-Pope, New York Times
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Books/story?id=4618931
Thank you for your attendance and participation.
Menus aren't just for restaurants. They deserve a
special place of honor in every family’s home.
Leanne ElySavingDinner.com