Eating At The Table – Food For Thought
By Christina
It wasn’t until today that I decided that I need to revitalize a old tradition from my childhood and reminiscent of the Thanksgiving or recent Christmas Dinners – Eating at the table.
Eight weeks ago, we purchased a gorgeous dark wood pub style table and chairs for our kitchen.
We live in a smallish condo. perfectly comfortable for two with no designated dining area. I chose the table because of the dark wood and it gave the area special warmth. A place for us to dine together. Until then, we had a tiny table not suitable for two.
40% of North Americans eat with their family at home each night each week
Until then and even after we had the table, we shuffled our plates on our laps while we unconsciously, almost zombie like, sat to watch a sit com, the news or whatever reality tv show was on. After a busy day at work and especially throughout the Christmas season, it was our time to relax and our time to rest.
After recently talking to a couple at a party, I learned that they too would quite often watch tv with tv trays. Not only the two of them but their children as well.
Now, I suspect that we aren’t the only ones doing this.
A recent survey suggests that 40% of North Americans eat with their family at home each night each week. So, what about the other 60% of the time? Dining in restaurants, eating on the run, eating in front of the computer, or even in the car.
Eating in front of the tv or computer can lead to mindless eating and overeating caused by being distracted and prevent you from listening to your body’s hunger signals and satisfied signals.
Case in point, Popcorn in movie theaters. Do you need that much popcorn to make you full? While watching a film, we not only eat kernel by kernel but stuff handfuls of popcorn into our mouths and wash it down with huge containers of soda pop.
My Challenge To You
Instead of going out for dinner, why not have dinner at home tonight? Turn off the computer and the tv and take the time to enjoy the flavors, texture an taste your food by sitting down at the table. Enjoy the company of your family, partner or friend.
You’ll be healthier for it and reap the benefits of being connected, communicating and even try new foods or share favorite foods with those special people in your life.
Don’t limit yourself to holidays or special occasions, make everyday special.
Bon Appetit!
Christina
Post Info
This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 and is filed under Fat Loss, Health, Relationships, Weight Loss.Tags: dinner, Family, food, Habits, Health, TV
You can follow any responses to this entry through the Comments Feed. You can Leave A Comment.
Related Posts:
- You, Just Wait A Minute!
- Eat Breakfast and Lose Weight
- Pimp My Diet Please
- My Near Death Experience
- Understanding Hypoglycemia and Blood Sugar
Previous Post: Recipe: Mint Pea Lime Soup with Spinach »
Next Post: Video: The Basic Squat »
or return to the Weight Loss Blog Homepage
- 3 Ways To Eat Fast Food And Drop Bodyfat!
- I Just Lost 11 lbs of Bodyfat… On Vacation!
- 3 Reasons Why Obesity Is… A Disease?
- 6 Strange Dietary Bedfellows
- A Rant: Why We REALLY Overeat
- 4 Common But Useless Fattburning Exercises
- Muscle-shaping 101: 5 Tips (Part 1)
- How to: Not get sick
- 10 Fatloss Questions You Should Be Asking ( Part 1 )
- 4 Fatloss Tricks No One Tells You About
Loading ...
January 6th, 2009 18:43
In one relationship I was in back in the mid 90’s we always ate at the table with the TV off. We talked about our day and one thing were were grateful for that day.
the next relationship I was in, she sat on the couch and watched TV while her 5 year old daughter took her food to her room and ate in private – in front of the TV.
I TRIED to change that but it was such a struggle. I gave up (believe it or not). They wouldn’t talk at the table anyway.
We eat at the table with no TV. Been that way for awhile now.
Great post Christina.
January 6th, 2009 19:22
Great post.
My family always eat together. It’s how food should be eaten
Incidentally, even when I’m alone I eat at the table (without any distracting TV, computer etc.). Eating is way more enjoyable when your attention isn’t distracted by other things.
cheers
January 12th, 2009 16:44
100 % agree – a great and vital post. It’s not only about what and how we eat while watching TV or in front of a computer. Though I believe it does matter. As some people tend to eat too much; the others too quickly or too slowly, thus breaking a normal process of taking of food. I believe it does influence digestion and your health, as a result. But it’s also about family relations. Eating at the table, while all the family members meet together after a long day and can discuss the news, share emotions and feelings… what can be more important for a loving and close family? I believe, a family dinner is the best way to teach your kids to communicate and to keep in touch with those dear to you.
February 16th, 2009 04:32
Having meals with your family not only reduces your chances of over eating, but also strengthens your relationship with them. I suggest, not to watch TV while having dinner, even with family. That gives you enough time to interact with each other.
-Alette
February 18th, 2009 07:29
Hi! Thank you for your article. I am a firm believer that the family table is the hub of the family. You mentioned a survey regarding only 40% of Americans eat at the table. Can you tell me where to find a copy of that research/survey? I am writing a paper on the subject and need to quote the source for acuracy’s sake. I would really appreciate you help with this.
Respectfully yours, Dalletta Reed