When I think of food and my Dad, I can think of great sandwiches and BBQs. I also remember waking up early with him to go fishing at the lake when I was young. Some of these basic traditions don't happen any more. We have let ourselves get so busy that we aren't prioritizing our health. Our health includes our relationships and time spent with family and friends.
I know you might not be able to be with your father today, but try to get back to having meals with friends and family. It's important to eat together for so many reasons (EatRightOntario):
- Nutrition – Children and teens eat more balanced meals and a wider variety of foods when they eat with their family.
- Tradition – Sharing meals with family members helps pass along family and cultural traditions about food.
- Comfort and security - Children who eat meals regularly together with family and caregivers feel satisfied and secure knowing when they will eat.
- Learning - Sharing meals and helping with meal preparation helps children learn more about food. Parents and caregivers are also important roles models whose behaviour around food helps children learn about how to eat and make healthy food choices.
- Communication - sharing meals gives children and their parents or caregivers time to talk and share information about their day.
Have a great day and again, Happy Father's Day!
Steph Langdon (Wheler), RD
something nutrishus counselling & coaching
www.nutrishus.com
