Benefits of Undistracted Eating

In a world that moves faster than ever, it can be difficult to unplug, even for ten minutes to eat a meal! But taking time away from distractions can be very beneficial.

When you eat undistracted with type 2 diabetes...

So if you have a hard time turning off the screen at mealtime, check out these tips on the benefits of undistracted eating.

You eat less

We have all been there, right? You get to the end of a busy day and all you want to do is scroll through your phone and have a snack. While both of these things on their own are not problematic, together they can wreak havoc on your lifestyle and diet goals. It is much harder to pay attention to hunger and fullness cues when you are distracted. Watching TV, or playing on your phone and iPad, can keep your eyes focused on something besides what and how much food you are putting into your mouth. You may also feel more hungry than you otherwise would if you were just having a snack without multitasking. For your next meal or snack, take the time away from the screen to sit and enjoy your food. Putting a snack into a small bowl or container can also help you to monitor portion size as opposed to eating straight from the bag.

You enjoy your food more

Have you ever sat down to eat, while scrolling social media, and all of a sudden your snack is gone? Do you even remember eating it or what it tasted like? Maybe not, which could lead to second or even third helpings. Choosing to sit at the table for all meals and snacks, away from screens can help you enjoy your food more, leaving you satisfied with your choice and ready to move on instead of having more.

It's easier to keep your lifestyle goals within reach

When you are taking time to pay attention to serving size, amounts, and types of foods that you pile on your plate, it is much easier to keep on track with your diet and lifestyle goals. If you are so distracted during your meal that you keep eating more and more, it can be hard to find a good balance. Remember the plate method of 50% non-starchy vegetables, 25% protein, 25% carbohydrate when building your meal.

You are more likely to make healthy choices

It can be really easy to talk yourself into “one more handful of popcorn” or “one last cookie” when you are settling in for a TV show or movie. Again, plan to implement a separate container for your snack and when it’s gone, it’s gone. It may also help you to take your time and savor your favorite dish!

How about you? Have you fallen victim to distracted eating? Do you think any of these changes could help you better reach your lifestyle goals?