Family Meals Matter

August is Family Meals Month and as we know, sometimes the term “family” includes friends as well. We’ve all felt the impact of limited social interactions during the pandemic, but for those in cancer treatment, the impact was even greater.

Social connectedness is key, and unfortunately, patients were unable to have loved ones by their side during infusions. In addition, many people also chose not to gather with family, adhering to COVID-19 safety precautions.

The importance and benefits of family meals and being social with loved ones make a difference in overall well-being and food intake as well. When people get together with friends and family members, they tend to eat more! For those in cancer treatment and with low appetite, the social component is vital to optimal nutrition.

If there is no one around with whom to prepare, serve and engage in conversation, this sets the stage for loneliness, isolation, sadness, and cancer patients are more likely to skip meals or “not bother” eating resulting in suboptimal nutrient intake.

Don’t underestimate visual appeal. In many cultures, socialization is centered on food and the more appealing food looks, the more people want to eat it. So pretty plates, lots of color, and a few fancy toothpicks can translate into greater calories and protein consumption.

In any culture, family meals and eating with others are vital components to promote overall health and lessen depression and other undesirable consequences. Cheers to many meal get-togethers and breaking bread with the ones you love.