Let\u2019s face it.<\/p>\n
We all lead busy lives.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n And sometimes that means we are unable to enjoy some of the simple pleasures in life.<\/p>\n Like eating meals together.<\/strong> <\/em><\/p>\n The facts point to what we all intuitively know is true\u2014we do not eat together as often anymore.<\/p>\n The average American eats 1 in 5 meals in their car, 1 in 4 people eat one fast food meal every day, and the vast majority of American families say they eat a meal together less than 5 days a week!<\/p>\n When we fail to take time to eat together, we miss out on a whole array of social, physical and emotional benefits.<\/p>\n Eating together improves communication, cultivates enriching traditions, and encourages better eating habits. <\/strong><\/p>\n As the 17th-century French writer, Fran\u00e7ois de La Rochefoucauld said: \u201cTo eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n Without a doubt, part of intelligent eating is enjoying healthful food together with loved ones.<\/p>\n This is why today we are excited to celebrate National Eat Better, Eat Together Month.<\/p>\n Click To Tweet<\/a><\/p>\n Study after study underlines the importance of the shared family meal.<\/p>\n According to a survey<\/a> by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University, children who eat dinner with their parents 5+ days a week tend to eat healthier foods, enjoy better academic performance, experience less drug\/alcohol issues, and report being closer to their parents.<\/p>\nWhy Is Eating Together Important?<\/h3>\n