Stepping away from technology during meals

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media or checking your work emails while trying to finish your dinner? Technology can be a huge distraction when you’re eating.

When we are distracted by technology during mealtimes, it can lead us to eat more quickly and consume more food. This can lead to chronic overeating and may increase your risk of developing obesity or other health conditions.

Stepping away from your phone and turning off the TV to enjoy your meals can help you eat more mindfully. You will be able to identify your natural hunger cues more easily if you are focusing on the food in front of you.

Mindful eating involves eating with no distractions, and that includes no technology. No phone. No TV. No iPad. This enables you to focus solely on what the food tastes like and how much you’re consuming. Slowly down and chewing your food properly can also help you to eat more mindfully.

Being consumed by technology while you eat makes it much more difficult to practice portion control, but it is also inconsiderate if you're sitting with your friends or family. It can also set a bad example for the younger members of your family, who may start to copy this behavior. Instead of eating with your head down looking at your phone, socialize with your loved ones.

If you’re unsure how removing technology from your mealtimes is going to benefit you, try it out for a few days and you are bound to see the difference immediately.