Including your children in the meal preparation process increases their awareness and appetite for healthy eating. When we as parents communicate interest and enthusiasm for making healthy meals, we are more likely to instill the same attitudes in our kids. The next time you are unsure about the importance of family meals, consider how shopping, cooking, and eating together will reinforce your family’s healthy habits by: Empowering your kids: Teaching your kids how to cook is something that will help them to make their own healthy choices as they grow up. Cooking will allow your kids to develop their food preferences and understanding of nutrition to apply into their own healthy lifestyles. Improving Communication. Shared meals create an additional avenue of communication for families. It can be a place to discuss the day’s events, enjoy each other’s company, and provide a time for family discussions. Asking open-ended questions such as “How was your day?” rath...