The Benefits of Social Eating
Hi, and welcome back!
It’s summer, the season for picnics, barbeques, and buffets; the time of year when fresh local produce is readily available and meals, especially those eaten outdoors, taste so delicious. These benefits are even greater when we share our meal with others.
In this blog I’ll encourage you to share meals with friends and family as often as possible—not only during this lovely time of year, but all year round. I write this not only because the food somehow tastes better, but because there are so many physical and psychological benefits.
Research has shown we eat more healthily when we eat in the company of others. It may be that we take more trouble over food choices and preparation; it may be we want to be seen to eat healthily. Whatever the motivation, the result is good for our health.
Another great reason for eating with others is that, because discussion flows more naturally when we’re sharing an activity, we learn more about one another. This is a particularly useful point for parents of teenagers who sometimes despair of knowing what their offspring are doing and with whom! What they won’t tell you if you confront them directly is often offered freely during a good meal. Deepening our knowledge of one another also strengthens the bonds between us.
Last and by no means least, we’ll be happier and feel more grounded and connected when we share at least some of our meals with other people. A study led by Robin Dunbar at Oxford using data from a national survey (‘The Big Lunch’, inspired by the Eden Project) found links between social eating and individual happiness as well as overall life satisfaction. The study also found those who eat at least some meals with others felt a greater sense of connection to their community and enjoyed a larger circle of friends.
What, then, are you waiting for? Time to pack a picnic and invite along some friends. And don’t forget to include some dog treats for your best friend…
Until next time, happy eating!
Linda