March is National Nutrition Month, and Mid-State Health is focusing on the crucial role family meals play in promoting healthy lifestyles, especially for children. Licensed and Registered Dietitian, Denise Normandin, RD, LD, MA, DipACLM, is encouraging families to prioritize cooking and eating together, emphasizing how mealtime can be a time for both nourishment and connection.

“National Nutrition Month is a perfect opportunity to remind families of the importance of sitting down to a meal together,” says Denise. “It’s not just about the food on the table; it’s about connection, communication, and the role shared meals play in supporting healthy habits for the whole family, especially children. They not only learn about nutrition but also gain the valuable life skills that come from preparing meals.”

Children who regularly eat family meals are more likely to develop healthy eating patterns, have better academic performance, and experience improved mental and emotional well-being. When families cook and eat together, it also encourages positive food experiences, exposes children to a wider variety of foods, and provides a chance to teach valuable skills in the kitchen.

Cooking together as a family can be an enriching experience. Mid-State encourages families to involve children in the kitchen, whether it’s washing vegetables, stirring ingredients, or helping set the table. This involvement creates a sense of accomplishment in children and helps them feel more connected to their food choices. The act of preparing meals together can also help foster a love of healthy foods that will last a lifetime.

Mid-State Health encourages families to take this month to establish or strengthen the tradition of eating together. Normandin offers a few simple tips for success:

• Involve kids in the kitchen: Let children help with age-appropriate tasks, such as washing vegetables, stirring, or setting the table. This encourages their interest in healthy foods.
• Make mealtimes a family priority: Schedule at least one meal a day where everyone can sit down together, free from distractions like phones or TV.
• Be flexible with your meals: You don’t need to make complicated dishes. Quick, healthy meals like stir-fries, tacos, or homemade pizzas can be fun, nutritious, and easy to prepare as a family.

“This month is a great time to commit to not only what’s on your plate but also to the time spent together as a family,” says Normandin. “The benefits of eating and cooking together are far-reaching, impacting health, relationships, and overall well-being.”

Mid-State Health will be hosting an “Ask the Dietitian” event on Wednesday, March 26, from 4-6 PM at the Diagnostic and Care Center, 28 Main Street, Plymouth, NH 03264. Community members will have the opportunity to ask Licensed and Registered Dietitian, Denise Normandin questions, and receive educational handouts along with valuable nutrition tips for all ages and stages of life.

For more information about Mid-State Health’s Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine Services, visit www.midstatehealth.org or call (603) 536-4000 to schedule an appointment with Licensed and Registered Dietitian Denise Normandin, RD, LD, MA, DipACLM for personalized nutrition counseling and resources.

About Mid-State Health Center

Mid-State Health Center delivers primary care and supportive services at locations in Bristol, Plymouth, and Lincoln, offering medical services, dental services, behavioral health counseling, physical and occupational therapy, imaging, infusion, recovery, and care management for the entire family. The mission of Mid-State Health Center is to provide sound primary health care to the community accessible to all regardless of the ability to pay.