The Dangers of Eating While Watching TV

In today’s fast-paced world, multitasking has become the norm, with this trend even extending to our mealtimes. One common habit many of us have adopted is the practice of eating while watching our favourite shows or movies. While this may seem harmless or even enjoyable, according to nutritionist Apurwa Agarwal, “eating while watching television can have negative impacts on your health.”

When you watch television while eating, Agarwal explains that “your mind is distracted,” and “you fail to realise how much and what you are eating.” This distraction can lead to overeating, as pointed out by Ruchika Jain, who emphasises that “When you’re engrossed in a show or movie, you’re less likely to pay attention to your body’s signals of hunger and fullness. This can lead to eating beyond the point of satiety, which can contribute to weight gain and digestive discomfort.”

Another reason, Agarwal notes, is that individuals may opt for quantity over quality when watching television, often choosing packaged foods loaded with calories. “TV watching often goes hand-in-hand with consuming snacks and convenience foods that are high in calories, sugar, fat, and salt. These foods, such as chips, cookies, and soda, can lead to poor nutrition, weight gain, and various other health problems over time,” Jain explained.

Additionally, Agarwal advises that dining or eating while watching TV puts individuals at risk of obesity, especially in children, referencing studies showing that it slows down metabolic rate and increases the risk of obesity. Jain adds that poor food choices, decreased awareness of satiation, and reduced physical activity associated with TV watching can contribute to weight gain and obesity over time.

Eating while watching TV can also result in feeling less full even when large amounts of food are consumed. To mitigate these negative impacts, Jain advises the practice of mindful eating, choosing healthier snack options, limiting portion sizes, and being mindful of time spent watching television.

Practicing mindful eating involves bringing full attention to the experience of eating, savouring each bite, and being fully present without distractions. It is recommended to take a moment to pause and centre yourself before eating, notice the colours, textures, and smells of your food, chew each bite thoroughly, tune in to your body’s hunger and fullness signals, eat in a quiet and peaceful environment, and avoid judging yourself or your food choices. Jain also suggests incorporating specific mindful eating exercises, such as the raisin meditation, into regular meals to develop a deeper connection with food and cultivate a more positive relationship with eating and nourishment.

Refrain from eating while watching TV to foster a healthier relationship with food and prevent overeating, obesity, and poor nutritional choices. Adopt mindfulness while eating to enjoy and appreciate food in a more fulfilling and nourishing manner.