Not Only Kenyang, More Benefits For The Body And Mind When Eating Together Are Weighted Alone

Illustration of eating together (Freepic)

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

A number of studies and nutritionists who say eating with other people 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 think eating with other people can be a challenge, especially because they live alone and work at home. Therefore, the invitation to gather more often turns into "vaccine" than dinner.

Then, why is eating with other people so important and how can we find more opportunities while increasing the experience of eating alone?

The Reason For Eating Together Is Good For The Body And Mind

A simple change that can be done, such as sitting upright while eating at the table, is usually done when eating with other people. This can improve digestion.

"Because food moves more smoothly through the digestive tract than when eating while bending in front of a sofa or computer screen," said registered nutritionist Laura Baum, as quoted by VOI from the Insider Bussines page on Friday, November 8, 2024.

Lesley Kumar, a nutritionist and nutrition consultant, said relaxing with family and friends while eating puts our bodies in a state called parasymptical, which is part of the autonomous nervous system that regulates body activity while resting.

This parasymptical situation helps digestion and allows the body to absorb nutrients more optimally. On the other hand, eating when in a stressful or tense state, such as when checking work email, can interfere with the digestive process and cause excessive eating.

Baum said one of the reasons why eating together can reduce excessive eating is because we tend to eat slower when talking and laughing with other people.

"We usually stop between bites more often, which means we are more aware of each bribe and it is easier to recognize our hunger and body content," Baum said.

It's important to note that choosing a mealmate can be as important as choosing a meal. For example, if people around us tend to eat healthy and nutritious food. Kumar says it's more likely to follow the same diet.

How To Change Eating Habits?

You don't have to go out to eat with other people. Baum suggests starting a "virtual meal date" with his partner, family, friends, or neighbors to reduce eating time that feels lonely.

Baum also added that just being more social can open up many opportunities to eat together. For example, joining a club or social activity often results in opportunities to eat together after the event is over.

If you have to eat alone, Baum recommends doing non-technology activities on the dining table, such as reading books or magazines. Turning pages can slow down the eating process. This gives you time to enjoy meals.

You can also improve your eating experience alone by setting a meal time routine, such as sitting in the same place every time you eat and paying more attention to what you eat.

Clinical psychologist Daniel Glazer said eating has always been a social event, especially in various traditions.

"These moments are not just for filling the stomach. They are sacred rituals that maintain social structure through meaningful conversations and shared experiences," said Glazer.

Glazer says food is able to cross cultural and social boundaries, build a sense of togetherness, and stimulate the release of neurotransmitters that increase moods, such as oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins. This strengthens bonds, trust, and reduces pain.

Research from the University of Oxford shows eating with other people can strengthen social ties which in turn increase life satisfaction.

Unfortunately, nowadays more and more people are eating alone, padq finally reduces satisfaction with life and contributes to the loneliness epidemic they face.

So, next time you sit with pizza in front of the TV, try asking friends or neighbors to eat together. Who knows, eating together can provide greater benefits for the body, mind, and social life.