Ask a Dietitian

March is Nutrition Month and this year dietitians across the country are helping Canadians unlock the potential of food.  This week we are unlocking the Potential of food to bring us together.

In a recent Ipsos Reid poll, 30% of Canadians said it is challenging to find the time to eat with friends and family.  The biggest barriers being busy work schedules and evening activities.  It takes creativity to balance busy schedules but it’s worth it.

Children who eat with their family have more nutritious diets, better academic performance, a lower risk for being overweight and less risk of eating disorders.  Children also tend to have better intake of fruit and vegetables and less intake of sugar-sweetened beverages.

Teens who share family meals get better grades and are less likely to smoke, use drugs or alcohol, or to participate in serious fights.

Adults who eat with friends and family tend to eat more vegetables and fruit, drink less pop, eat fewer meals at fast food outlets and have lower body mass indexes.

Older adults who eat as part of a group have better diets, improved nutrient intake and lower rates of malnutrition.

People who come together in communities can eat together at community kitchens, where they learn to cook, share meals, try new foods, have fun and learn about nutrition.

Create a “no phones at the table” policy at your house and focus on each other, share stories and enjoy what you are eating not what your friends on Instagram are eating.

Start a conversation.  Ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer, let everyone speak and don’t use meal time as a time to scold or discipline.

For more information about nutrition month go to www.nutritionmonth2018.ca and download the free App cookspiration.ca for delicious recipes.