A Meal Together, Can Keep Family Together?

    • ritika.kumar@timesgroup.com
    • Publish Date: Jan 4 2018 1:26PM
    • |
    • Updated Date: Jan 4 2018 7:07PM
A Meal Together, Can Keep Family Together?

Study indicates eating alone not good for health

People who eat most of their meals alone are prone to health risks, according to a paper published in medical journal ‘Obesity Research & Clinical Practice’. Why is it important to have one meal together? We find out... 

Forging bonds

According to medical practitioners, in the rapidly changing world today, real-time interactions have taken a back seat. Families are shrinking and everyone is busy in their own ‘virtual world’. It could lead to loneliness and stress.  “A meal together every day brings camaraderie and bonding within the family, which gives birth to much stronger individuals,” said Dr Jitendra Nagpal, psychiatrist.

Eating together inculcates kindness and patience  

Nagpal explains how nutrition value of food is connected to the emotional component. Happy hormones like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins are relatively better in emotionally stable people. Real happiness is found when we are connected with people we care for. “Food acts as a perfect bridge,” Nagpal said. Solidarity, kindness, affection, patience are inculcated when we share food with our loved ones,” said Nagpal. Taking an example of ‘bonding over meals,’ he said: “When people who feel out of place are asked to share their meals, it was found that most of them come back with improved mental health. Eating together also helps in relieving psychosomatic (a physical illness aggravated by a mental factor) problems, depression and anxiety,” he added. 

Loneliness could lead to mindless eating  

“In today’s nuclear family set-up, when both parents are working, a single child eating mindlessly while watching TV on any gadget is a common scenario,” said nutritionist Neha Chandna Ranglani when we discussed loneliness among children.  “They are just mechanically eating with no focus on food. There is no connection between brain and stomach here which leads to digestive clogging.”

For better immunity

During a child’s growing years, it is essential that kids relate food with good memories and a pleasant family time. Eating at least one meal at the table with the family should be mandatory. It helps bonding with family and also food, said Ranglani. “Our body releases hormones and enzymes better when we are in a happy space. We digest better and can fight lethargy and enjoy better immunity,” Ranglani added.    

Dos and Don’ts while eating together 

  • 1 Families should have a mandatory rule to share at least one meal of the day together, according to experts  
  • 2 Elders need to become role models and shut off their gadgets to inspire children to eat together without distractions  
  • 3 Food table should have variety of food items for children to choose — from salads, lentils, rice, green leafy vegetables, nuts to multi-grain chapatis and breads   
  • 4 Make it a longish meal, where everyone can concentrate on eating and also discuss their day 

According to a report by sun-sentinel.com, four students of Boca Raton Community High in Florida, US, decided to help new students make friends. Allie Sealy, a 16-year-old junior with three of her friends started a group called ‘We Dine Together’ where they gather every Tuesday to enjoy pizza, discuss poetry and politics. Now, they are a group of 60 and counting. 


Which meal do you share with your loved ones? 

More From TOP NEWS...

Comments

Ishita Singh MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL(DWARKA)

We have entered into an era where we are giving facts scientifically to people to eat with their family. What once was an inevitable part of life, today needs reasons to be followed. It was quiet surprising for me to read this article because in my family since childhood I have been taught to have food with all family members.

SWETHA SURESH Toc H Residential Public School

We eat our dinner together daily. And on holidays, we eat our lunch also together.

POST YOUR OWN ARTICLE, PHOTO & VIDEO

SIMPLY FILL DETAILS & POST


 
SIGN UP & EXPLORE MORE...
*


*
* *
* *
img
REGISTRATION SUCCESSFUL...
THANK YOU FOR REGISTERING
  • About Us

Times Newspaper in Education (Times NIE) is a novel program that helps students ‘Stay Ahead’ and aims at making ‘Learning Fun’. It introduces concepts that help individual growth and development beyond school curriculum.

A brainchild of The Times of India, the world’s leading English newspapers, Times NIE nurtures progress and innovation. Adapted from the international concept, Times Newspaper in Education program (Times NIE) was initiated in India in 1985.

Today we have over 3000 schools and over 9 lac students subscribing to the programme, spanning 16 cities viz. Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Lucknow, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Jaipur.

The Times of India Student edition, a customized student newspaper exclusively for the students, packs a powerful punch in terms of content that leads to a smarter and superior learning experience. The information is crafted such that it finds use in classroom discussions, thus making it relevant and current. It truly gives education a new dimension by fostering the simple habit of reading which in turn paves the way for a confident, informed and aware individual. A newspaper that inspires young minds and equips them to face challenges of today’s world, making way for global citizens.

Empowering students with new cutting-edge knowledge through various educative and informative activities is a commitment and tradition of Times NIE. The programme serves as a catalyst of education and interaction, as well as a window into the minds of the quintessential Indian youth. On a significant scale Times NIE comprises diverse interesting activities and events that boost the child’s passion for learning, while revealing hidden talent.

While you are aware that The Times of India is among the leading English Newspapers across the world, it has consummated its position as an everlasting winner. With several international awards and recognitions to its credit, The Times of India and Times NIE have validated an enduring tradition of setting the highest benchmarks in every respect. We have been awarded with the two most prestigious awards, Times NIE - World’s No.1 NIE program and The Times of India, Student Edition - World’s No.1 Newspaper for the youth in 2006 by the celebrated World Association of Newspapers (WAN). In 2008 we were honoured by the International Newspaper Marketing Association (INMA), yet another international recognition for ‘Youth Audience Development’. In 2013 we were again honoured by the celebrated World Association of Newspapers (WAN) as the ‘Times NIE - World’s Best Youth Engagement Program’.

Times NIE has grown remarkably over the last three and a half decades, touching millions of children across more than 16 Indian cities. Our absolute commitment towards the fledgling generation remains undiluted and our greatest strength lies in the school partnership and commitment.

  • Times NIE World Awards
EDIT STUDENT PROFILE...



img

JOIN NOW !!!

Create or join groups, share your views, ideas through posts (Text, Pictures & Videos)

GOT A QUERY?

FEEL FREE TO ASK HERE. GET IT ANSWERED BY EXPERTS

CLICK HERE TO SEE YOUR PREVIOUS QUERIES

win

Why You Think India Is Great....