Eating a balanced diet is important for your health, but so is the position in which you eat your meal. Many French people do anything…
Taking the time to eat a balanced meal is very important. However, on a daily basis, you can eat on the go and sometimes anywhere. However, it is recommended to eat in a neutral and upright position, without hunching over. A certain habit during meals is, conversely, strongly discouraged.
According to nutritionist and pharmacist Deborah Grayson, with Mirrorthis precise position can cause health problems. By adopting it, the passage of food through the digestive tract is not optimal, potentially causing indigestion, reflux and heartburn.
It’s ultimately very simple: you really shouldn’t eat while slumped on your sofa, whatever the menu. And this even if it can be tempting when you get home from work to sit down on your sofa, in front of your TV and make yourself a meal tray. Filling your stomach on the sofa is first of all not good for your posture: this position can require you to bend over, thus exerting pressure on the abdomen.
However, it is a widespread habit among the French. According to a survey YouGov, conducted with more than 13,000 adults between May 13 and 31, 2024, the French are increasingly adept at this practice. 14% of French people most often eat their meals on the sofa, which represents several million people… However, 78% still eat at the table most of the time. Even after the meal, you should ideally leave a little time before diving straight into the sofa, at least 20 minutes. The same goes for the bed.
If TV is added, it’s even worse. According to the expert, television is distracting and therefore the attention paid to the meal is less. “Without TV to distract you, you’ll be more aware of what you’re eating, chewing more slowly and more thoroughly. This will allow the digestive system to break down your food more easily,” she explained. Such a habit can also lead to weight gain.
Deborah Grayson also recommends eating without your phone, which has similar consequences. However, 67% of French people say they regularly watch something, whether it is television, computer or smartphone, while they empty their plate.