Dining with other people instead of alone allows for numerous physical, social, and mental benefits.
PHYSICAL
Studies show that eating with others promotes healthier decision making, especially getting more nutrients. This is especially true for adolescents—dining with family allows for more nutrient-dense, whole foods. Furthermore, dining with others allows for more mindfulness around food: not eating too much or too little and eating more slowly.
SOCIAL
Dining with others promotes community and belonging, making people feel connected to their friend circles. Furthermore, dining together fosters relationships and strengthens them—dining is an intimate experience! Eating together has also been shown to build trust, improve communication skills, and be beneficial for cultural exchange.
MENTAL
Regular community meals and conversation lowers stress, anxiety and depression. Eating together also promotes a sense of belonging, which boosts self-esteem and resilience, especially in young adults and teenagers. Lastly, dining with others improves your social skills and reduces feelings of loneliness.
Question to ponder:
Do you prefer to eat with others or alone? For a long time I thought eating alone was my favorite—and in some cases, I still enjoy it. I have found, though, that when I eat with others I am much more mindful, I eat slower, I enjoy engaging in conversation, I have more fun and I feel better after the meal. Eating alone has it’s time and place, but dining with others has numerous health benefits—that’s why it’s so common in the Bible, too! It’s an important part of the human experience.
