The Surprising Benefits of Family Dinners

Family dinners are more than just a meal; they’re a cornerstone of connection. In a world where the frequency of family dinners has declined by 33% in the past 20 years, many parents long for those moments around the table. The rise of dining out and the convenience of pre-packaged meals, like the TV dinner, has gradually chipped away at this age-old ritual. Yet, science and history tell us that shared meals are crucial for fostering healthy relationships, reducing stress, and even improving mental health. Let’s explore why bringing back family dinners can have a profound impact on your family's well-being.

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  • Befriend the pressure cooker: Invest in a ⁠pressure cooker⁠ to significantly reduce cooking time for various dishes while preserving flavor and nutritional value.

  • And the slow cooker: Embrace the convenience of a slow cooker, allowing you to prepare meals in the morning and return to a ready-to-eat dinner in the evening. Sometimes I’ll take it a step further and prep it all the night before, put it in the fridge (in the crockpot), and put it on in the morning to make it more seamless. Tip: If you have a pressure cooker then just use that which doubles as a slow cooker/crockpot.

  • Batch cook: Prepare larger quantities of meals and freeze portions for use later in the week(s). Simply double or triple the amount to have ready-to-unfreeze options for last-minute nights.

  • Sign up for a meal delivery kit: Explore meal delivery services that provide pre-portioned ingredients and recipes, streamlining the cooking process and making it easier to maintain family dinners amidst a hectic schedule. Some of the healthiest and most delicious meal delivery services are:

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Brian Comly

Brian Comly, M.S., OTR/L is the founder of MindBodyDad. He’s a husband, father, certified nutrition coach, and an occupational therapist (OT). He launched MindBodyDad.com and the podcast, The Growth Kit, as was to provide practical ways to live better.

https://www.mindbodydad.com
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