Not Just Full, There Are More Benefits for the Body and Mind When Eating Together Than Alone

Illustration of eating together (Freepik)

JAKARTA - Some people choose to eat alone. Because, they feel comfortable when eating alone. Unfortunately, eating alone is not recommended. A study suggests that someone eats with family, friends, relatives or partners.

A number of studies and nutritionists say that eating with others can reduce stress, improve digestion, reduce the risk of overeating, and encourage healthier food choices.

In fact, 91% of families feel less stressed when they share time to eat together. However, for people who live alone, they consider eating with others to be a challenge, especially because they live alone and work at home. Therefore, invitations to gather more often turn into "having coffee" rather than dinner.

So, why is eating with others so important and how can we find more opportunities and improve the experience of eating alone?

Reasons Eating Together Is Good for the Body and Mind

A simple change that can be made, such as sitting up straight when eating at the table, is usually done when eating with others. This can improve digestion.

"Because food moves more smoothly through the digestive tract than when eating while hunched over a couch or computer screen," said registered dietitian Laura Baum, as quoted by VOI from the Bussines Insider page on Friday, November 8, 2024.

Lesley Kumar, a dietitian and nutrition consultant, said relaxing with family and friends while eating puts our bodies in a state called parasympathetic, which is the part of the autonomic nervous system that regulates the body's activity while it is at rest.

This parasympathetic state aids digestion and allows the body to better absorb nutrients. Conversely, eating when you’re stressed or tense, like checking work emails, can interfere with digestion and lead to overeating.

Baum says one reason why eating together can help reduce overeating is because we tend to eat more slowly when we’re talking and laughing with others.

“We tend to pause more between bites, which means we’re more aware of each bite and more able to recognize our body’s hunger and fullness cues,” Baum says.

It’s important to note that choosing your dining companion can be just as important as choosing your food. For example, if the people around you tend to eat healthy, nutritious foods, Kumar says they’re more likely to follow the same eating patterns.

How Can You Change Your Eating Habits?

You don’t have to go out to eat with others. Baum suggests starting a “virtual meal date” with your partner, family, friends, or neighbors to help reduce lonely mealtimes.

Baum also adds that simply being more social can open up opportunities for eating together. For example, joining a club or social activity often leads to opportunities to eat together after the event is over.

If you must eat alone, Baum suggests doing a non-tech activity at the table, like reading a book or magazine. Turning the pages can slow down the process of eating, giving you time to savor the food.

You can also improve the experience of eating alone by establishing a mealtime routine, such as sitting in the same place every time and paying more attention to what you’re eating.

Clinical psychologist Daniel Glazer says meals have always been social events, especially across cultures.

“These moments are not just about filling your stomach. They are sacred rituals that maintain social structure through meaningful conversation and shared experiences,” Glazer says.

Glazer says food can cross cultural and social boundaries, build a sense of community, and stimulate the release of mood-boosting neurotransmitters like oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. This strengthens bonds, builds trust, and reduces pain.

Research from the University of Oxford shows that eating with others can strengthen social bonds, which in turn increases life satisfaction.

Unfortunately, more and more people are eating alone, which can lead to a lower life satisfaction and contribute to the loneliness epidemic we face.

So, next time you’re sitting down with pizza in front of the TV, try inviting a friend or neighbor to eat with you. Who knows, eating together could have even greater benefits for your body, mind, and social life.