Study indicates eating alone not good for health
People who eat most of their meals alone are prone to health risks, according to a paper published in medical journal ‘Obesity Research & Clinical Practice’. Why is it important to have one meal together? We find out...
Forging bonds
According to medical practitioners, in the rapidly changing world today, real-time interactions have taken a back seat. Families are shrinking and everyone is busy in their own ‘virtual world’. It could lead to loneliness and stress. “A meal together every day brings camaraderie and bonding within the family, which gives birth to much stronger individuals,” said Dr Jitendra Nagpal, psychiatrist.
Eating together inculcates kindness and patience
Nagpal explains how nutrition value of food is connected to the emotional component. Happy hormones like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins are relatively better in emotionally stable people. Real happiness is found when we are connected with people we care for. “Food acts as a perfect bridge,” Nagpal said. Solidarity, kindness, affection, patience are inculcated when we share food with our loved ones,” said Nagpal. Taking an example of ‘bonding over meals,’ he said: “When people who feel out of place are asked to share their meals, it was found that most of them come back with improved mental health. Eating together also helps in relieving psychosomatic (a physical illness aggravated by a mental factor) problems, depression and anxiety,” he added.
Loneliness could lead to mindless eating
“In today’s nuclear family set-up, when both parents are working, a single child eating mindlessly while watching TV on any gadget is a common scenario,” said nutritionist Neha Chandna Ranglani when we discussed loneliness among children. “They are just mechanically eating with no focus on food. There is no connection between brain and stomach here which leads to digestive clogging.”
For better immunity
During a child’s growing years, it is essential that kids relate food with good memories and a pleasant family time. Eating at least one meal at the table with the family should be mandatory. It helps bonding with family and also food, said Ranglani. “Our body releases hormones and enzymes better when we are in a happy space. We digest better and can fight lethargy and enjoy better immunity,” Ranglani added.
Dos and Don’ts while eating together
- 1 Families should have a mandatory rule to share at least one meal of the day together, according to experts
- 2 Elders need to become role models and shut off their gadgets to inspire children to eat together without distractions
- 3 Food table should have variety of food items for children to choose — from salads, lentils, rice, green leafy vegetables, nuts to multi-grain chapatis and breads
- 4 Make it a longish meal, where everyone can concentrate on eating and also discuss their day
According to a report by sun-sentinel.com, four students of Boca Raton Community High in Florida, US, decided to help new students make friends. Allie Sealy, a 16-year-old junior with three of her friends started a group called ‘We Dine Together’ where they gather every Tuesday to enjoy pizza, discuss poetry and politics. Now, they are a group of 60 and counting.
Which meal do you share with your loved ones?