Family Meals Research Articles

Drinking practices: The variation of drinking events across intersections of sex, age and household income.

Investigations of drinking practices often rely on cross-country comparisons of population averages in beverage preferences, drinking volumes and frequencies. Here, we investigate within-culture patterns and variations in where, why and how people drink, answering the research question: how does engagement in drinking practices vary by sex, age and household income? We conducted a cross-sectional analysis examining the societal distribution (by age, sex, household income) of 12 drinking practices: four off-trade practices (in-home consumption; e.g., evening at home with partner) and eight on-trade practices (licensed-venue consumption, e.g., family meal, big night out). Practices were identified in previous analyses of 2019 British event-level diary data (14,742 drinkers aged 18+ reporting 26,220 off-trade and 8768 on-trade occasions). The level of engagement in practices varied by sex, age and income. In the on-trade sector, men, particularly those in low-income groups, engaged in traditional pub-drinking, while women, especially older women, engaged in sociable drinking occasions with family and friends which commonly involved food. Young men and women were similarly likely to engage in heavier on-trade practices, which remained commonplace into midlife. Drinking while socialising with friends, both inside and outside the home, was common among younger age groups across all income bands. From midlife, home drinking often involved a partner, especially for higher income groups. Most drinking practices were shared across the whole population, but level of engagement in them is strongly patterned by age, household income and, particularly in the on-trade sector, sex.

Effects of Responsiveness and Responsibility Parenting Factors on Family Mealtime Outcomes in Overweight African American Adolescents

Background/Objectives: Family meals have been shown to be an important protective factor for positive health outcomes. This study assessed the associations of parenting factors with family mealtime among overweight African American adolescents over a period of 4 months. It was hypothesized that increases in warm and responsive parenting (parental responsiveness, parental responsibility) would be associated with increased frequency and quality of family mealtimes, while more demanding and controlling parenting (parental demandingness, parental monitoring) would be associated with a reduced frequency and quality of family mealtimes over time. Methods: Data from baseline to 16 weeks were collected from 241 African American adolescent–parent dyads (adolescent: Mage = 12.8 ± 1.7 years; 64% female; MBMI%= 96.6 ± 4.2) that participated in the Families Improving Together (FIT) for Weight Loss randomized controlled trial. Results: Multilevel models revealed significant positive main effects of parental responsiveness and parental responsibility (p < 0.05) on the increased frequency of family meals (p < 0.01). Significant two-way interactions also showed that parental responsiveness (p < 0.05) predicted improved quality of family mealtimes, whereas parental demandingness (p < 0.01) predicted reduced quality of family mealtimes from baseline to 16 weeks. Conclusions: Results from this study have important implications for African American adolescent obesity prevention and future family-based intervention program guidelines.

Association of family meals with sleep and quality of life in Japanese preschool and elementary school children: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Sleep is crucial for children’s health and eating habits. The decline in family meals has raised concerns about its impact on children. Previous research indicated associations between family meals and psychological health and dietary habits, but their relationship with sleep behavior is less understood. This study examined the association between family meals (breakfast and dinner), sleep patterns, and quality of life among Japanese preschoolers and elementary school students (1st to 3rd grade). The cross-sectional study involved 6,177 children aged 3–8 years in Japan. Mothers completed an online survey on family meal habits, sleep patterns, and the KINDL-R questionnaire to assess quality of life. Results showed that family meals were associated with sleep behaviors and KINDL scores. Multiple regression analysis indicated that family breakfast was associated with earlier bedtime and wake-up time, shorter weekend sleep duration, reduced social jet lag, and a morning chronotype, as detected by the Munich ChronoType Questionnaire. Family dinners were linked to later sleep and wake-up times and an evening chronotype. Family breakfast and dinner were associated with higher KINDL scores, with dinner having a stronger positive impact. These findings underscore the significance of family meals in associating sleep patterns and quality of life among Japanese children.

"The struggle is a part of the experience": Engaging Discontents in the Design of Family Meal Technologies

Meals are a central (and messy) part of family life. Previous design framings for mealtime technologies have focused on supporting dietary needs or social and celebratory interactions at the dinner table; however, family meals involve the coordination of many activities and complicated family dynamics. In this paper, we report on findings from interviews and design sessions with 18 families from the Midwestern United States (including both partners/parents and children) to uncover important family differences and tensions that arise around domestic meal experiences. Drawing on feminist theory, we unpack the work of feeding a family as a form of care, drawing attention to the social and emotional complexity of family meals. Critically situating our data within current design narratives, we propose the sensitizing concepts of generative and systemic discontents as a productive way towards troubling the design space of family-food interaction to contend with the struggles that are a part of everyday family meal experiences.

Supporting vulnerable families’ meal practices: process evaluation of a nationwide intervention implemented by a retailer and social organizations

BackgroundLower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with poorer dietary habits and fewer family meals. Therefore, initiatives to empower families with a lower SES to adopt healthier meal practices are employed. The objective of this study was to evaluate a nationwide intervention “Dinner is served at 1-2-3 euros”, developed by a Belgian retailer in collaboration with social organizations. It targets families with a lower SES and aims to promote more balanced and freshly cooked meals by providing recipe booklets of affordable meals at a guaranteed price of 1, 2, or 3 euros per portion. The process evaluation aimed to gain insight into the implementation process (Reach, Recruitment, Dose-delivered, Context), the satisfaction with the intervention (Dose-received), and the perceived impact of intervention participation.MethodsA mixed-methods study combining qualitative (i.e., focus groups and individual interviews) and quantitative research (i.e., surveys) was conducted. An interview with the retailer (n = 1), three focus group interviews with the involved social organizations (n = 15), and interviews with participants of “Dinner is served at 1-2-3 euros” (n = 26) were carried out, as well as surveys among these social organizations and participants.ResultsSocial organizations were generally satisfied with the project and appreciated the collaboration with the retailer. The main barrier to implement the project was a lack of time to help participants subscribing. Participants appreciated the inspiration from the recipe booklets, and the recipes’ ease of preparation, their healthiness, and the variety. However, the recipes were sometimes deemed too exotic for participants’ children. Participants also appreciated the budget friendliness, although the price guarantee mechanism of 1, 2 or 3 euros per portion was not always clear. Positive effects were mentioned in areas such as perceived healthy cooking and eating, improved cooking skills and ideas, and reduced financial concerns.ConclusionsIn general, participants and social organizations were satisfied with the delivery and implementation of the intervention. Participants also noted some positive effects on their meal practices. Future research should provide insight into the intervention’s effectiveness and impact on the healthiness of participants’ dietary choices.Trial registrationThe study protocol was pre‑registered prior to data collection at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05595551–27/10/2022).

The construction of linguistic identities in talk about food among Tibetan heritage language learners

ABSTRACT This ethnographic article examines the interactional processes through which Tibetan-Canadian heritage language learners agentively construct their linguistic identities in everyday family interactions. Because food is centrally involved in family routines, as well as broader cultural practices and the articulation of individual tastes, talk about food provides a site for analyzing negotiations of individual agency amid expressions of shared identity. Drawing from previous language socialisation scholarship that approaches family meal times as a resource for constructing identity, this paper analyzes children’s conversations at meal-times, during food preparation, and about food preferences. Through interactional analysis of twelve months of longitudinal video ethnography in two Tibetan-Canadian families, I found that, in these activities centered on food, children used multilingual and multimodal resources to negotiate authority over their cultural and linguistic knowledge. Specifically, children agentively displayed their knowledge of Tibetan language forms, elaborated on their capacities to participate in cultural activities, and instructed parents about their individual preferences. By analyzing these interactional displays of knowledge through the concepts of agency and co-operative action, I argue that children construct their identities as speakers of Tibetan, despite the dominance of English in their language repertoires.

The place and space of meals in the family of a premature infant with a rare ENT pathology

In the context of prematurity, invasive care can interrupt recognition of the oral sphere as a source of pleasure, substituting positive in utero experiences with others of pain and passivity. Aunique approach to care in the neonatal unit helps to support parents and baby during this period. However, if medical care can be reduced, what happens when the baby returns home, and when he or she discovers how to eat? How can the gastrostomic baby take part in the family meal? We'll take a look at Basile (born prematurely with a rare ENT pathology) and his family, to see how, at the age of2, he can carve out a place for himself within his family, particularly with his brothers, including his twin, who has a different background.

Women's attitudes towards intimate partner violence in Guyana: a population-based study

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a global health issue and a breach of human rights. However, the literature lacks understanding of how socioeconomic and geographic disparities influence women's attitudes toward IPV in Guyana over time. This study aimed to assess trends in women's attitudes about IPV in Guyana. Data from three nationally representative surveys from 2009, 2014 to 2019 were analysed. The prevalence of women's attitudes about IPV was assessed, specifically in response to going out without telling their partners, neglecting their children, arguing with their partner, refusing sex with their partner, or burning food prepared for family meals. A series of stratified subgroup analyses were also completed. We assessed trends in IPV using the slope index of inequality (SII) and the concentration index of inequality (CIX). We used multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression to assess factors associated with women's attitudes justifying IPV. The prevalence of women's attitudes justifying IPV for any of the five reasons declined from 16.4% (95% CI: 15.1-17.8) in 2009 to 10.8% (95% CI: 9.7-12.0) in 2019. Marked geographic and socioeconomic inequalities were observed among subgroups. The SII for any of the five reasons decreased from-20.02 to-14.28, while the CIX remained constant over time. Key factors associated with women's attitudes about IPV were area of residence, sex of the household head, marital status, respondent's level of education, wealth index quintile, and the frequency of reading newspapers/magazines. From 2009 to 2019, Guyana was able to reduce women's attitudes justifying IPV against women by 34.1% and shortened subgroup inequalities. However, the prevalence remained high in 2019, with persisted inequalities among subgroups. Effective strategies, including the use of media to raise awareness, promotion of community-based approaches, and educational campaigns focusing on geographic and socioeconomic disparities, are essential for continuing to reduce the prevalence of IPV and associated inequalities. The study was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health, Fogarty International Center grant number D43TW012189.

Unlocking adolescent dietary behaviours: the causal role of social contexts

Abstract Background Using a causal inference framework, our study aimed to extend previous work in providing a comprehensive understanding of the role various social contexts across different levels can play in predicting adolescent dietary behaviours. Methods Data came from the 2017/18 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey in Flanders (Belgium). The sample included representative data from 8,702 adolescents in 165 schools. Social factors at individual-level (family meals, family, peer, student and teacher support) and at contextual-level (school culture of student and teacher support and school-level socioeconomic status [SES]) were considered. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed. Results At individual-level, family meals and family and student support were positively associated with fruit and vegetable consumption, family meals with sweet consumption too. Student and teacher support showed positive associations solely with fruit consumption. At contextual-level, adolescents attending schools with a lower school-SES demonstrated lower vegetable consumption. Culture of teacher support was negatively associated with sweets but also vegetable consumption. For culture of student support no associations were found. Conclusions The study mainly provide cues for strengthening family social ties as dietary health promotion initiatives, with some evidence supporting the role of beneficial peer and school social factors. Mixed results for contextual school-level social factors warrant further research to identify additional school-related influences on adolescent dietary behaviours to advance current understandings. Key messages • Family meals and support promote healthy eating in adolescents, emphasising the health promoting role of family social ties in dietary habits. • Mixed findings on school-level social factors call for more research on school health policies.

Early Childhood Routines and Adolescent Health & Well-Being: Associations From a US Urban Cohort of Children With Socioeconomic Disadvantage.

To investigate longitudinal associations between the presence of early childhood routines- predictable and repeatable functional practices that promote healthy growth, development, and relationships - and adolescent health outcomes. Secondary data analysis. 20 large U.S. cities. 2943 children with socioeconomic disadvantage from the Future of Families cohort. Routines at age 3 (shared family meals, bedtime routine, daily reading); outcomes later in the same children at age 15 (healthy routines, overall health, psychological well-being). Descriptive statistics, regression analyses. We detected longitudinal associations between early childhood routines and later adolescent routines (increased count of shared family meals by parent report [IRR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.24, P = 0.007], bedtime routine and daily reading by adolescent report [aOR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.67, P = 0.008; aOR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.38, P = 0.04; respectively]). A bedtime routine in early childhood was associated with excellent health in adolescence (aOR 1.42, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.79, P = 0.004]. Adolescent routines were concurrently associated with overall health and psychological well-being. We also detected two longitudinal patterns of associations suggesting multiple mechanisms for how early childhood routines influence later health and well-being. Early childhood routines predict adolescent routines, and may contribute to long term adolescent health outcomes. Future studies may promote childhood routines during critical developmental stages as a strength-based strategy to promote long-term health and well-being.

Associations between maternal diet, family eating habits and preschool children’s dietary patterns: insights from the UPBEAT trial

BackgroundDietary behaviours in early life often track across the life course, influencing the development of adverse health outcomes such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to explore the between dietary patterns (DP) in preschool children and maternal DP and family eating habits.MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of 488 mother-child pairs from the UK pregnancy Better Eating and Activity Trial (UPBEAT) at 3-year follow-up. Previously published DP from mothers and children (derived from food-frequency questionnaires and exploratory factor analysis) were used. Mothers’ DP were “Fruits-Vegetables”, “African-Caribbean”, “Processed and Snacks”, and children’s DP were “Prudent”, “Processed-Snacking”, and “African-Caribbean”. Family meal environments were evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale.ResultsLinear regression models revealed that child’s prudent pattern was positively associated with maternal Fruits-Vegetables (B = 0.18 (0.08, 0.27)), Snacks patterns (B = 0.10 (0.01, 0.18)), and eating the same foods during meals (B = 0.25 (0.07, 0.43)). Child’s Processed-Snacking pattern was directly associated with maternal Processed (B = 0.22 (0.13, 0.30)) and Snacks (B = 0.27 (0.18, 0.36)) patterns, receiving food as reward (B = 0.22 (0.04, 0.39)) and watching TV during meals (B = 0.27 (0.09, 0.45)). Finally, the child African-Caribbean pattern was directly associated with that from the mother (B = 0.41 (0.33, 0.50)) and watching TV during meals (B = 0.15 (0.09, 0.30)), and inversely associated with maternal processed (B=-0.09 (-0.17, -0.02)) and snacking (B=-0.08 (-0.15, -0.04)) patterns.ConclusionsUnhealthy dietary patterns in childhood are directly linked to similar maternal patterns and family meal behaviours, such as television viewing and food rewards. These findings highlight targetable behaviours for public health interventions.

Associations between eating habits and mental health among adolescents in five nordic countries: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThe role of eating habits in adolescent mental health has become a growing area of interest for researchers and health professionals. Recent studies suggest that healthy eating habits may play a role in the development and management of mental health. However, existing literature is largely based on clinical populations, and comparisons are challenged by sociocultural differences and methodological issues. The aim of the present study was to use nationally representative data based on standardized procedures, to explore associations between adolescents eating habits and mental health, considering the importance of age, gender, socioeconomic factors, and country.MethodsThe study was based on data from Nordic adolescents (age 11, 13 and 15 years) who participated in the 2017/2018 Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) study (n = 22384). General linear modelling and multigroup regression analysis were used to examine the relationship between food habits (intake of fruit, vegetables, sweets, soft drinks), meal habits (intake of breakfast and having family meals together), and mental health (life satisfaction and subjective health complaints). The analyses were weighted and adjusted for age, gender, socio-economic status, and country.ResultsOverall, healthier eating habits were associated with better mental health. The strongest associations were found between meal habits (breakfast consumption and having family meals together) and mental health. Gender and country differences were seen, with weaker associations found among Danish boys.ConclusionEating habits should be considered when promoting mental health in the adolescent population. While gender differences and cross-country variations exist, even minor enhancements in eating behaviors could yield meaningful benefits.

Componer y fragmentar la utopía comunitaria. Vivir la autonomía entre sueños y decepciones

The aim of this article is to discuss the practices, rules, hopes, and setbacks associated with building community autonomy in San Isidro de la Libertad, Chiapas, based on my own ethnographic experience and that of three young community members. Certain local practices lend political power to the project of autonomy, including milpa farming, saint celebrations, citizen assemblies, and shared family meals. The redefinition of these practices in a collective narrative of the past, present, and future of the town is an ongoing process that I refer to as the “utopianizing of traditional life.” These practices, in turn, give shape to the ideal subject of the community utopia, one who embodies hope but also reflects, provokes, and comes from multiple fragmentations.

Comparing eating and mealtime experiences in families of children with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and dual diagnosis.

Children with neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may experience eating difficulties and related health issues later in life. Sharing family meals can help prevent these issues developing, but most studies have looked at families with neurotypical children. Our goal was to learn more about how families of children with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and both conditions (autism + attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) experience mealtimes. We developed an online survey asking caregivers about their child's eating, mealtime experience and if they experienced stress. We tested it with nine caregivers and made improvements based on their feedback before recruiting 351 caregivers to complete the main survey. We found that families of children with neurodevelopmental conditions experienced greater food fussiness, emotional undereating, 'problematic' child mealtime behaviours, dietary concerns, higher stress for caregivers and spouses and less frequent conventionally structured mealtimes compared to those without these conditions. Families of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism + attention deficit hyperactivity disorder reported greater appetite, 'problematic' mealtime behaviours and increased stress for caregivers and spouses compared to families of children with autism. Meanwhile, families of children with autism and autism + attention deficit hyperactivity disorder reported less enjoyment of food and less structured mealtimes compared to those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Our findings highlight that families of children with neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly those with autism + attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, have different mealtime experiences and eating behaviours compared to those with neurotypical children. These families may benefit from support at mealtimes. Learning why people do or do not participate in shared family meals will be crucial to developing improved mealtime support in the future.

Family meals on prescription as treatment for childhood obesity-a randomized controlled trial.

The aim with the present study was to evaluate the effects and tolerability of Family Meals on Prescription, a 3-month intensive dietary intervention with a participatory approach on body mass index (BMI) and metabolic health in children living with obesity. In this prospective randomized controlled trial, children aged 5-15years were included from the Pediatric Obesity outpatient Clinics in Halland, Sweden. Participants were randomly assigned to receive lifestyle treatment with or without Family Meals on Prescription (FMP) consisting of a subsidized prepacked grocery bag including recipes and provisions for five Family Meals per week for 3months. The primary endpoint was changed in BMIz after 3, 12 and 18-24months and secondary endpoints included to assess tolerability of FMP and effects on metabolic biomarker and frequency of shared meals. Eighty-nine children (51.7% female) entered the study, 54 patients in the intervention group and 35 in the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups concerning gender, age or level of obesity at baseline. The Family Meal on Prescription intervention combined with lifestyle treatment led to a significantly greater reduction in BMIz than lifestyle treatment alone after the 3-month long intervention (- 0.17 vs + 0.01, p < 0.01); however, this difference was not sustained throughout the study period, and in fact, the control group had a greater reduction in BMIz after 18-24months.A subsidized prepacked grocery bag may be a novel, well-tolerated and effective tool in the treatment of childhood obesity. The fact that the BMIz reduction shown at the end of the intervention did not persist over time emphasized the need of long-term treatment. Registered at clinicaltrals.gov 27 Nov 2020, retrospectively registered: clinicaltrials.gov number 19002468. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05225350 What is Known: • Swedish data shows that lifestyle treatment alone is not sufficient for many families undergoing treatment for childhood obesity. • Regular family meals and mealtime routines have been shown to be important for nutritional health and dietary patterns in children and adolescents. What is New: • This intervention with a participatory approach involving prepacked family meals was well tolerated and led to a significant reduction in BMIz during the intervention. • That fact that these results were not sustained over time indicates a need to evaluate longer interventions, and that childhood obesity is a chronic and complex disease which requires long-time treatments.

Associations between Meal Patterns and Risk of Overweight/Obesity in Children and Adolescents in Western Countries: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies and Randomised Controlled Trials.

Childhood overweight/obesity (OV/OB) is a major public health problem in Western countries, often accompanied with comorbidities (e.g., hypertension and insulin resistance) (i.e., metabolically unhealthy obesity-MUO). Among diet-related risk factors of OV/OB risk and MUO, meal patterns remain limitedly studied. The aim of this systematic review was to explore associations between meal patterns and the risk of childhood OV/OB and MUO in children/adolescents aged 2-19 years. Longitudinal studies and randomised controlled trials from PUBMED and Scopus published between January 2013 and April 2024 were retrieved. Twenty-eight studies were included, all of which reported on OV/OB risk, with none on MUO risk. Regular consumption of breakfast (n = 3) and family meals (n = 4) and avoiding dining while watching TV (n = 4) may be protective factors against childhood OV/OB, whereas meal skipping (primarily breakfast; n = 4) may be a detrimental factor. Mixed effects of meal frequency on OV/OB risk were observed; no effects of frequency of lunch or of fast-food consumption and of meals served at school were found. There was insufficient evidence to support the role of other patterns (meal timing, eating in other social contexts). Meals were mainly participant-identified, leading to increased heterogeneity. Research focusing on childhood MUO and the use of harmonised definitions regarding the assessment of meal patterns are highly warranted.

Prevalence of daily family meals among children and adolescents from 43 countries.

Prevalence studies about family meals, including large and representative samples of children and adolescents on this topic, are scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was twofold: first, to determine the prevalence of daily family meals in large and representative samples of school-going children and adolescents from 43 countries, and second, to identify the sex, age, socioeconomic status (SES), family structure, immigrant status and parental labour market status inequalities associated with this prevalence. Using data from the 2017/2018 wave of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study, a total of 179,991 participants from 43 countries were involved in this cross-sectional study. Family meals were assessed by the following question: 'How often do you and your family usually have meals together?'. Participants had five different response options: 'every day', 'most days', 'about once a week', 'less often', and 'never'. The meta package was utilized for conducting a meta-analysis of single proportions, specifically applying the metaprop function. The analysis involved pooling the data using a random-effects model and presenting the outcomes through a forest plot generated using the inverse variance method. Moreover, we applied generalized linear mixed models to explore the relationships between the studied sociodemographic factors as fixed effects, country as a random effect and the status of daily family meals as an outcome. Overall, the prevalence of daily family meals was 49.12% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 45.00-53.25). A greater probability of having daily family meals was identified for children aged 10-12 years (61.55%; 95% CI: 57.44%-65.49%), boys (61.55%, 95% CI: 57.44%-65.49%), participants with high SES (64.66%, 95% CI: 60.65%-68.48%), participants with both parents at home (65.05%, 95% CI: 61.16%-68.74%) and those with both unemployed parents (61.55%, 95% CI: 57.44%-65.49%). In the present study, which included large representative samples of school-going children and adolescents from 43 countries, more than half of the participants did not have daily family meals.

Fuzzy Logic Theory and Spatiotemporal Modeling of the Fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi Based on Differential Equations

Brazil has been one of the largest soybean producers in recent years. The soybean is a legume commonly found in family meals. Among the diseases affecting the grains, Asian soybean rust is one of the most concerning. The fungus causing the disease is spread by the wind, making it difficult to control. Although it has been researched since its first records, not much data are available regarding the macro propagation behavior of spores. Therefore, this research aimed to model its dispersion based on a partial differential equation, the diffusion–advection equation, used by researchers to model the behavior of any pollutant. The terms of this equation were developed from real data, processed by fuzzy logic, and the simulation results were compared with disease records throughout a harvest. By using this approach to model the spatiotemporal dynamics of this fungus, it was possible to simulate its spread satisfactorily. Additionally, its results were used as input variables for a fuzzy system that estimates the susceptibility of a given location to disease development.

Intersecting perspectives: Advocating for sustainable family meals across generations

Adolescents in Germany eat fewer animal products than their parents, often for sustainability reasons. We investigated how adolescents differ from their parents' generation in sustainability food-choice motives, consumption of animal products, and corresponding behaviors such as advocating for and influencing decisions towards more sustainable family meals. In an online questionnaire, an educationally diverse sample of 500 adolescents (M = 17.9 years, range = 15–20) and 500 adults of their parents' generation (M = 52.2 years, range = 45–60) reported food-choice motives, their own and their family's diet style, how they advocate for sustainable food decisions at family meals (e.g., less meat), and how they influence different steps in family meal planning (e.g., grocery shopping). The two generations did not differ in sustainable food motives and mean consumption frequency of meat and animal products, but adolescents reported three times more often than their parents' generation to never eat meat. At shared family meals they advocated for eating plant-based substitutes (d = 0.27, p < 0.001) and other animal products (β = −0.15, p = 0.02) more often than their parents' generation, but not for eating less meat. Adolescents advocated more frequently for sustainable food decisions at shared meals the more important sustainability motives were to them (β = 0.53, p < 0.001), and the less meat (β = −0.35, p < 0.001) and fewer other animal products (β = −0.11, p = 0.015) they consumed. Adolescents motivated towards sustainability have the potential to impact the family's dietary choices through reverse socialization processes. These findings challenge current theories that suggest only parents influence their children, neglecting the role of adolescents as potential agents of change for improved family and planetary health.

Fiber consumption mediates the association between family meals and obesity in Brazilian adolescents

Fiber consumption mediates the association between family meals and obesity in Brazilian adolescents