Diet may be in the forefront of your New Year intentions, however that doesn’t have to mean doing it alone. In fact research shows that family mealtime transformations have great benefits for everyone and it’s not as difficult as you may think to get started, not to mention the ease of cooking only “1” meal! Cooking at home while transitioning to whole foods is a great way to start, giving clarity and focus while naturally helping to reduce unwanted pounds.
Planning to sit down to dinner together with your family members with a beginning goal of just four nights a week can have a big impact and not just on the waistline. As I mentioned last week, gratitude at mealtimes can help manage stress and improve digestion at mealtime, increasing absorption of vital nutrients. Add in just the act of sitting together, enjoying a meal with no electronics, and discussing the day’s events and the benefits increase.
Here are just a few from recent studies.
– Improved grades for school age children
– Helps prevent eating disorders
– Can aid in resisting peer pressure that can lead to unhealthy behaviors in the future
While adding whole foods you will most likely discover a transformation in mood, ability to concentrate, and any behavior issues begin to disappear, as the artificial ingredients that can present cognitive issues are replaced with fresh, whole foods. So don’t take on your dietary new year’s resolutions alone, include everyone in your household so you can transform both mentally and physically as a family.
