Our relationships, eating habits, and mental health could all be affected when eating on the go, alone, or whilst watching television.
78% of Brits admit to often eating their evening meal while sitting on the sofa, with 19% admitting that they always eat their dinner this way. But this common habit may be doing more bad than good, according to psychologists.
To help promote healthy habits and showcase the importance of eating at the dinner table, Wren Kitchens teamed up with Registered Clinical Counsellor, Nilou Esmaeilpour, and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Sophie Cress.
Instrumental in building relationships
Eating at the dinner table encourages quality time spent together, according to Nilou, “Eating together brings along with it a sense of belonging and security in that everyone is guaranteed time to reunite each day.”
He adds that this communal eating allows people to share their thoughts, experiences and feelings, which builds trust and emotional bonding. “These moments, built up over time, create shared memories and traditions that bring us closer together,” he adds.
Develops communication skills
Dinner-table conversations help to develop excellent communication skills, according to Nilou, as well as empathy. “Individuals learn to interact with thoughtful and devoted attention. This is instrumental in developing not only personal relationships but also socially”, he says.
Encourages mindful eating
The dinner table setting promotes mindfulness and reduces stress, according to Sophie, she adds, “Eating on the go or while distracted by television or other activities can lead to mindless eating, where individuals are less aware of their food and portion intake and less likely to enjoy their meals.
Sitting down at the table encourages a slower pace, allowing individuals to savour their food, recognise feelings of fullness, and appreciate the sensory experiences of eating”.
Promotes better mental health
Mealtimes are about more than just the food, with psychologists saying that they can promote positive mental health through support and company.
Nilou explains, “Dining together can promote improved mental health, with conversations providing emotional support, reducing isolation and loneliness. Dinner with family or close daily contacts makes a difference in terms of lowering the level of stress while increasing happiness through community building.”
Sets a good example
Eating at the dinner table can instil a sense of tradition and ritual, especially for children, claims Nilou. “The younger generation find comfort in eating together because it offers them a stable and predictable environment. It will help members start to communicate freely and openly with one another, sharing their experience in life in order to understand and appreciate each other more.”
Sophie confirms, “Parents can model healthy eating habits and engage in meaningful conversations with their children, which is crucial for their emotional and social development. In contrast, eating separately or in isolated spaces like the bed or sofa can lead to a sense of disconnection and missed opportunities for family bonding.”
A spokesperson from Wren Kitchens adds, “The kitchen is the heart of the home, where most conversations and daily tasks take place, making your dining space an important element. Creating a safe, comfortable space where family members want to eat is the perfect starting point for promoting dinner table meals, and consequently, healthy habits.”
