What effect does leaving the television on during meals have on the health of your family? Researchers from the University of Minnesota recently found out. Families that eat with the TV on eat less healthy meals and enjoy their meals less than families who turn off the television off during meal times. 

From the Reuters article:

“Family meals are protective for many aspects of child health,” lead author Amanda Trofholz said by email, adding that parents can take this time to check in with children and teach them about setting limits on their diets.

“Having the TV on during the family meal may reduce the opportunity for this connection between family members and blunt the protective effects of the meal,” said Trofholz, a researcher at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Of the 120 families that took part in the study, 33% of families turned off the TV off during all meals, and 43% of families left the TV on during all meals. The bottom line: turning off the TV and focusing on your family will help everyone enjoy the food and each other more!