Researchers have found that families who share meals together on a regular basis, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner reap many benefits.

Family meals provide an opportunity for family members to come together, strengthen ties and build better relationships. They build a sense of belonging which leads to better self-esteem. Family meal time gives parents a chance to be role models where they can set an example of healthy eating and engaging conversation. Most importantly, it helps build family relationships and harmony.

Research shows that people tend to eat less during family meals because they eat more slowly, and talk more thereby preventing obesity.

Research also shows that kids who eat family meals have a lower chance of engaging in high risk behaviours such as substance use and violence, and fewer psychological problems.

Tips for eating more meals together:

• Make family meals a priority in your household. Focus on the importance of being together as a family more than on making an elaborate meal.
• Start with small steps. Increase the number of family meals by one extra meal a week.
• As a family, plan a menu for the week and make a grocery list.
• Let the kids be involved. Let them help prepare food or set the table.
• Work as a family to clean up afterwards.
• Turn off the TV.

More family mealtime could mean large rewards for your family.

Family meals are more nutritious. A university study found that families who eat together are twice as likely to eat their five servings of fruits and vegetables as families who don’t eat together.

Kids who eat family meals tend to eat a wider variety of foods and become less picky eaters

On this page you will find a wide range of recipes that you family will love to prepare, enjoy eating and want to come back to the dinner table more often.