Avoid eating in front of screens

---

Extract from the article: Eating in front of screens is a widespread practice, a habit we can't seem to break. Whether it's the TV, the phone or the computer, it's impossible not to glance at it during a meal. But this practice, reinforced since the health crisis and the ....

---

Eating in front of screens is a widespread practice, a habit we can't seem to break. Whether it's the TV, the phone or the computer, it's impossible not to glance at it during a meal. But this practice, reinforced since the health crisis and the confinements, can be dangerous to health.

On average, Togolese people look at one of their screens at least twice during a single meal. For a large proportion, their food sometimes gets cold because of the time spent looking for a TV program or a message on a social network. Finally, others explain that they regularly eat at their desks on days when they're working.

Health consequences

But this bad habit can have real health consequences, especially for children and teenagers. Eating in front of the TV or computer encourages obesity. When you eat in front of a screen, you're not concentrating on what you're eating, so you don't feel full. As a result, we tend to eat too much, and prefer sweets and fatty foods. We also expose ourselves to the risk of developing hypercholesterolemia, an excess of unhealthy fats or even diabetes.

Eating in front of screens without realizing what you're swallowing can also lead to tummy aches and digestive problems. People who watch more television tend to have a less varied diet, as well as a sedentary lifestyle and not enough exercise. Eating in front of the computer also entails health risks. These range from muscle spasms and poor posture to poor nutrition in general. Studies also show that eating in front of the computer can lead to infections and allergies. What's more, desktops generally contain hundreds of bacteria.

Enjoying a good meal at the table

Several experts are calling for a “return to the table” without screens. Eating should be a moment of pleasure. You don't need to take a lot of time for the meal, but when you do eat, do so with full awareness. The telephone should not be the table companion. But she recognizes that this requires a real effort for some. It can be hard to put screens aside during a pandemic, especially if you're working from home. For some, watching TV while eating is a real reward after a hard day.  Set the table with cloth napkins. Turn off the TV and move the phone and computer to another room. Sit with your feet on the floor and your back against the chair. Relax and enjoy your meal.

Elom AKAKPO