Meals & Multitasking: Bad Combo -- Research Summary
BACKGROUND: In the fast-paced world of today, people may need to find opportunities to eat, which is often in conjunction with another task. Eating while distracted by the television, driving, the computer, and other various tasks is a common occurrence, but is also potentially dangerous for health reasons. Distracted eating could easily lead to over-eating and weight gain because the mental focus is not on satisfying hunger. When the focus is not on food, eating becomes a secondary action; mindless eating occurs, and the level of satiety is ignored. Shorter intervals in-between meals and prolonged eating are both factors of distracted eating. Studies have shown distracted eaters consume 100 percent more after their meals, and their snacking habits are 20 to 100 percent greater than those who do not engage in distracted eating. (SOURCE: http://www.eating.health.com)
PREVENTION: Avoiding distracted eating may seem simple, but it can be quite difficult to break the habitual routine of multitasking while involving food. Compiling a list of potential distractions encountered while eating can help tremendously. Do what is necessary to keep the listed distractions powered off, or at a distance during mealtime. Also, recording behavioral habits when eating in a food diary would be beneficial. Noting what is eaten, with whom, and where can aid in breaking the chain of distracted eating not only at home, but in restaurants where many distractions are prevalent.
HOW TO EAT: There is a key to eating that will not only provide greater satisfaction during meals, but also control eating habits.
· Designate one table as an eating and drinking location, and only eat and drink while in this spot.
· Set the table with plates, napkins, silverware before eating.
· Turn off the television, and computer, and keep the phone at a distance from the table.
· If driving, pull over or park the car and eat.
· Make food the main distraction. Concentrate on the taste, the feeling, and embrace every aspect of the meal.(SOURCE:http://caloriecount.about.com)
Meals & Multitasking: Bad Combo -- Research Summary | Medical News and Health Information
Meals & Multitasking: Bad Combo | Medical News and Health Information
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