Serve yourself

Serving platters, polished silverware, and fancy glassware adorn the dining room table. Serving spoons crash onto plates as food is passed down the line of generations. Holidays dust off traditions, including food and how it's served. One particular tradition is family-style dining; the act of food served on platters from which the consumers serve themselves. Why is this detailed style important? What are the benefits? How do we make the time? Follow me as I de-construct the importance of serving family style.

Family-style serving is implemented in several dining establishments. Some Italian restaurants are even known for this method at mealtime. Allowing family members to self-regulate food intake has shown to be beneficial toward waste as well, as the consumer can decide how much is portioned and simultaneously cue into their hunger levels. However, adults should guide children and exemplify how self-serve is arranged.

Research has shown numerous benefits towards incorporating family-style serving permanently in a home, especially with children. Author and child nutrition expert Ellyn Satter, MSW, RD, has determined that what we do at the table influences children long-term. Children depend on their family members to provide meals, but they can learn certain developmental skills in the process. She states, "When family style service is used in group mealtime settings, the activities of passing foods around the table can reinforce socialization skills and verbal communication around the table." Children often enjoy being in charge of their decisions and family-style reinforces that; allowing the child to decide how much they can eat.

One question often pondered is, how does one make the time? When beginning the transition to family-style serving it does not have to be complicated. Even sandwiches can be served in this manner; put all ingredients on the table and let family members decide what and how much goes into their meal. If serving to children, it's important to include child-friendly silverware and ones appropriate for their stage of growth. Some meals can even be made ahead of time and re-heated and served in various bowls and platters throughout the week.

Special occasions can serve as a reminder of what it's like to serve family-style, and can fashion the way towards eating in this particular environment more often. The next time you pass the stuffing consider the joint impact towards positive eating behaviors. Happy Holidays!

For more information on transitioning to family style serving visit www.ellynsatterinstitute.org.

Meghan Robinson is a University of Idaho dietetics student.