Is It Normal to Feed a Friend
We've all done it – found ourselves running late for work or an appointment and left with no time for eating at the dining table. We pull the car over at a drive-through, or we dodge into a fast food restaurant to pick up a quick meal on-the-go. While these foods might fill our bellies, they do little for our health. Food on the go tends to be unhealthy, and when we are rushed we often eat a lot more than we want or need. Do this too often, and you'll end up with poor health and extra weight around your midsection.
A much better way to cultivate healthy eating habits is to spend more time eating meals, not less. Dining with friends and family is not only a valuable way to spend time together, it can help you to stay healthy, and look and feel younger.
1. Eating together releases positive emotions
There really is a reason that humans have been sharing communal meals together since time immemorial. When we eat together, our so called 'animal brains' receive the message that we are safe and happy, and our bodies are flooded with positive hormones and emotions. Having a meal with your family and friends is a great way to boost your mood. Want to feel better? Invite some mates over to eat.
The university of Oxford explains that eating with others will most likely make you happier and satisfied with your life. You can read more on this article by clicking here
2. Meaningful time together – breaking bread with family
In addition to the personal benefits that you will receive when dining with others, you will also be contributing to a stronger community. That's right – eating with friends and family is known to strengthen community bonds and build important friendships. Take time to laugh, share stories, and enjoy each other's company over a delicious meal.
One of the most unique and exciting ways to eat with friends and family (especially brand new friends) is to take a cookery holiday. Taking a cooking holiday to Italy is a brilliant way to learn about new recipes and connect with your family and loved ones.
Travelling solo? No problem. You'll meet heaps of new friends and learn techniques to help you create delicious meals. Cooking and eating on an Italian cooking holiday will change the way that you eat, and help you build healthy eating habits.
3. Dining together can lead to healthy eating habits
In addition to the positive relationships you can build when eating together, when you have a meal with others you tend to eat more slowly. By taking your time over your food, you will feel full more quickly, and you tend to eat far less than you would when eating a burger on your own.
Studies have also shown that adults tend to make healthier food choices when dining in a group, you can read this in a recent article (point 4) here. When gathered around a table with friends and family, we are more likely to reach for healthy salads, grilled proteins and fruit rather than burgers, crisps and soda. Remember – when you're cooking for a big group, try to make sure that the menu is loaded with healthy options.
4. You can learn new recipes and get excited about healthy ingredients
When you have new people over for a meal, or dine with your family, you might find that your meal horizons are expanded. New people in your social sphere are likely to introduce new recipes and new ingredients onto your table. Getting excited about healthy new ingredients is a great way to incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables and grains to your diet.
5. Dining together with friends and family can improve communication skills
It is much easier to have conversations at the dining table when eating dinner than rushing about. Socialising with friends and family can increase your sense of happiness and wellbeing which will impact your mental health a lot! It allows you to take a step back from everything and catch-up with the people that mean the most to you.
6. Fine dining will give you a different atmosphere
When you're eating with friends and family, you are not restricted to a house. Explore your area and find new places to eat. Whether that be a steak house in city centre or a local carvery, you will receive such a different experience than dining at a house. Sit back in your seat, listen to the music playing in the restaurant, look around and take in the atmosphere whilst enjoying spending quality time with your friends or family (and the food of course!)
Bon Appetite!
Source: https://www.flavoursholidays.co.uk/blog/healthy-eating-habits-why-eating-with-friends-and-family-keeps-you-young/
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