Celebrate family and time together with Dining-in Day – December 3rd!
What are the benefits?
Research has shown that families who “dine in” together:
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Are less likely to be overweight or obese
- Improve their relationships
- Save money
Tips for “Dining In”
- Make family meals a priority and agree upon a schedule.
- Try to have regular family meals two or three times a week.
- If dinnertime doesn’t work – have family breakfasts or snacks.
- Keep meals simple. Slow cookers save time in the evening.
- Double recipes and freeze food for a second meal.
- Set aside time on the weekend for meal planning.
- Discuss neutral and positive topics during the meal.
- Make family meals fun and include children in food preparation.
- Turn off the TV and collect and put away cell phones and tablets.
- Eat slowly and enjoy your time together!
More Resources
- Dinner Tonight –
Cooking demo videos hosted by Texas A&M University. - Choose MyPlate – Numerous resources related to healthy eating for families, children, adults, and professionals.
- Fun with 4-H Foods –
Food-related resources for children. - Spend Smart Eat Smart –
Resources to help families plan, shop for, and prepare meals. - Small Steps to Health and Wealth –
Research-based behavior change strategies for to simultaneously improve health and finances - The American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) chose December 3rd for Family & Consumer Sciences Day to honor AAFCS Founder Ellen Swallow Richards, first female graduate of, and instructor at MIT. We are proud to be part of this important event.
- Field of Family & Consumer Sciences
- Family and consumer sciences (FCS), founded as home economics, is the field of study focused on the science and art of living well in our complex world. Through research, experiential education, and technology, family and consumer sciences professionals help people develop the essential knowledge and skills to lead better lives, be work and career ready, build strong families, and make meaningful contributions to our communities. Professionals in the field are uniquely qualified to speak on many critical issues affecting individuals and families, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, wisely managing personal and family finances, and creating supportive relationships with family members, friends, and co-workers. They are located nationwide in a variety of practice settings, including academic education, community education, business and industry, government, and health and human services.
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