Reserving time to sit down to a meal with family or friends can end up at the bottom of your day’s to-do list because everyone seems too busy to take a break, or it takes too much effort to make a plan, let alone cook a meal. Plus, many of us eat on the go or while we work at our desks. However, new research suggests that sharing a meal with those we care about, like family or colleagues, may lower our stress levels, improve our workday, and help us make healthier food choices.
In a report released this week, the American Heart Association (AHA), which surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults about their dining habits, found that almost all parents (91%) say their family is less stressed when they share meals together. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of adults reported being at least somewhat stressed, with 84% wishing they could share a meal with others more often. Overall, respondents reported eating alone roughly half of the time.
