Eating while you’re distracted can lead you to eat faster, feel less full, and mindlessly eat more. Whether this is watching TV, listening to the radio, or playing a computer game, the type of distraction doesn’t seem to matter much.
For instance, one research study found that people watching television while eating their meals ate 36% more pizza and 71% more macaroni and cheese. Plus, it seems that the longer the show, the more food you’re likely to eat. One study noted that participants watching a 60-minute show ate 28% more popcorn than those enjoying a 30-minute show.
Today, eat more mindfully by stepping away from your screens and sit at a table or quietly on the grass in the park and notice the moment when you feel satiated and save the rest for later.