The IAA One Minute Blog

A new American Heart Association survey says 91 percent of parents notice their family is less stressed when they eat together.

Sharing Meals Decreases Stress

Meal sharing could be a simple way to help manage stress that can increase a person’s lifetime risk of heart disease and stroke, the American Heart Association says.

Of the 1,000 U.S. adults nationwide surveyed in September for the American Heart Association’s “Healthy for Good” movement, 84 percent of respondents said they wish they could share a meal more often with loved ones.

Overall, the surveyed adults reported eating alone about half the time. And nearly two-thirds, or 65 percent of them said they are at least somewhat stressed, and 27 percent reported being very or extremely stressed.

Beyond stress relief, the national survey found that 67 percent of adults said sharing a meal reminds them of the importance of connecting with people, and 54 percent said it reminds them to slow down and take a break.

Nearly six in 10 survey respondents also said they are more likely to make healthier food choices when eating with other people, but they have trouble scheduling with their friends or family to share meals.

Nearly seven in 10 of those employed full or part-time said they’d feel less stressed at work of they had more time to take a break and share a meal with a co-worker.

Positive Eating Practices

Regular family meals can help give parents and guardians a chance to get more nutritious foods into their families’ diets and model positive eating practices:

• Better nutrition: Research shows that regular family meals increase overall intake of calcium-rich foods, fruits and vegetables.
• Healthy behaviors: Research shows that eating together regularly can reduce the chance of a child or teen engaging in risky behaviors, such as smoking and drinking.
• Smarter eating for life: Preparing food at home can help kids learn more about nutrients, sustainability, cooking techniques and other aspects of nutrition that can shape their food choices as they grow.
• Staying safer with food allergies: Since many children have food sensitivities and allergies, learning how to make meals is a valuable skill to learn at home.

Children and adolescents who share family meals three or more times per week are more likely to be in a normal weight range and have heathier dietary and eating patterns than those who share fewer than three family meals together, according to the National Institutes of Health.   

What IAA has to Say

Insurance Administrator of America wants you to know what is going on in the world of health. Keep up to date with IAA!