In today’s fast-paced world, multitasking has become the norm, and that extends to mealtimes. One common habit that many of us adopt is; eat While watching your favorite show or movie. While it may seem harmless or even fun, “eating while watching TV can make you feel sick,” says nutritionist Apurwa Agarwal.
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you tend to eat more
Agarwal explains that watching TV while eating can “distract you” and “make you lose track of how much and what you’re eating.”
Ruchika Jain, Chief Clinical Dietitian, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj said, indianexpress.com That can lead to overeating. “When you’re engrossed in a show or movie, you’re less likely to pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness signals. This can lead you to eat past your satiety point, leading to weight gain and poor digestion. It can lead to organ discomfort,” she said.
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May overeat junk food
Another reason, Agarwal said, is that people may choose quantity over quality when watching TV, opting primarily for calorie-dense packaged foods.
“Watching TV is often accompanied by the consumption of snacks and ready-to-eat foods that are high in calories, sugar, fat, and salt. It can lead to poor health, weight gain and various other health problems,” Jain explained.
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you are at risk of obesity
Citing research, Agarwal emphasizes that eating and eating while watching TV puts children at particular risk of obesity. “Not only does your metabolic rate decrease, but your risk of obesity increases as well.”
Jainism agrees with this and says that it is a combination of the following: eat unconsciouslypoor food choices, decreased satiety, and decreased physical activity associated with television viewing can lead to weight gain and obesity over time.
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You may not feel full
Agarwal explains that when you eat while sitting in front of the TV, your mind is focused on watching the TV, which prevents you from feeling satisfied. “Even if you eat a lot, you won’t feel full anymore.”
To reduce the negative effects of eating while watching TV, Jains advise practicing mindful eating and choosing to: healthier snack optionslimit portions and be conscious of the time you spend in front of the TV.
“The practice of mindful eating involves paying full attention to the eating experience, savoring each bite, and being fully present without distractions,” Jain said.
Follow some steps below.
- Before you start eating, stop for a moment and take a deep breath. This helps center yourself and bring your attention to the present moment.
- Pay attention to the color, texture, and smell of your food before you take a bite. Enjoy the eating experience using all your five senses.
- Take your time and chew each bite thoroughly to enjoy the flavor of the ingredients. To slow down your eating pace, put down your fork between bites.
- Listen to your body’s hunger and satiety signals. Instead of eating out of habit or boredom, eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re satisfied.
- Try to eat in a quiet, peaceful environment, free of distractions such as televisions, phones, and computers. Just concentrate on the act of eating.
- Don’t judge yourself or your food choices. Approach eating with an attitude of kindness and acceptance towards yourself.
- Take a moment to appreciate the food in front of you and the effort that went into preparing it. Develop an attitude of gratitude for the nourishment you give your body.
- Pay attention to how different foods affect you physically and emotionally. Pay attention to how your body reacts to different foods and adjust your choices accordingly.
- You can also try certain mindful eating exercises, such as raisin meditation. In the Raisin Meditation, he carefully eats a raisin, paying attention to its texture, taste, and sensation.
As with any skill, eat consciously It takes practice. “Try to incorporate mindfulness into your meals on a regular basis, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day,” suggests Jayne.
By incorporating these habits into your diet, you can deepen your connection to food and develop a more positive relationship with food and nutrition.