The Digest

Work responsibilities, commute time, after-school activities, social commitments, and more…it can be hard to get the family to sit down together for a meal. But it’s well worth the effort, because the benefits of this simple yet significant tradition extend far beyond the joy of sharing food and conversation. Research consistently highlights the positive impact of regular family meals on various aspects of health, including gut health. As we approach Thanksgiving, it's the perfect time to explore how the act of breaking bread together can contribute to our overall well-being.

Nutritional benefits

Family meals often involve the preparation and consumption of home-cooked dishes. This not only promotes better nutritional intake but also helps control portion sizes and reduce the reliance on processed foods, leading to a healthier diet overall. Research shows that regular family meals increase the intake of fruits, vegetables, fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, E, and B6. In addition, children who regularly eat with their families tend to develop healthier eating habits and are more likely to make nutritious food choices as adults. This early exposure to balanced meals can set the foundation for a lifetime of positive dietary choices.

Improved mental health

Sharing meals with family not only creates a sense of belonging and strengthens familial bonds, but it also has been shown to reduce adolescent engagement in risky behavior such as using alcohol and drugs, violent behavior, poor school performance, sexual behavior, disordered eating, and mental health issues.

Gut health

When sitting down to family meals, there is often a variety of foods with a diverse range of nutrients. This diversity is essential for promoting the growth and balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Additionally, the social aspect of family dinners can reduce stress levels, which is known to negatively impact gut health. The act of sharing meals with loved ones also fosters a relaxed and positive eating environment, encouraging mindful eating habits. Consuming a mix of fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fermented foods during these gatherings provides nourishment for the gut microbiota, promoting overall digestive well-being and contributing to a healthier, more resilient immune system.

Of course, the largest family meal of all is coming up–Thanksgiving. Whether you’re feasting with family, friends, or a mix of both, Thanksgiving, with its abundance of seasonal produce, offers an excellent opportunity to promote gut health. 

Gratitude and gut health

As long as we’re counting our blessings, we may as well mention that many of the Thanksgiving meal mainstays are good for your gut. Here’s how…

Mashed sweet potatoes

Packed with fiber and essential nutrients, sweet potatoes promote a healthy gut environment. Leave on the skins for an extra boost of fiber.

Cranberry sauce

Fresh cranberries are rich in antioxidants and fiber, supporting gut health. Opt for a homemade cranberry sauce to control sugar content.

Brussels sprouts salad

Brussels sprouts are not only high in fiber but also a good source of prebiotics, the food that nourishes beneficial gut bacteria.

Green beans

Rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, an antioxidant that gives fruits and vegetables their color, green beans are a good source of folate, potassium, protein and fiber, and we know how much your gut loves fiber.

Yogurt parfait

No disrespect to pumpkin pie (pumpkin is rich in fiber!), but a dessert option that combines the sweetness of fruits with the probiotic goodness of yogurt can be a delightful and gut-friendly way to end the Thanksgiving meal.

This Thanksgiving, let's not only celebrate gratitude but also the health benefits that come with the simple act of gathering around the table for a family meal. By choosing whole-food, gut-friendly dishes, you can nourish your body, strengthen family bonds, and contribute to the well-being of generations to come. Here's to a Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and benefits far beyond food!