Why You Should Keep Your Phone Off the Dinner Table? | Benefits of a No-Phones Dinner

When was the last time you put your phone away from the dinner table and looked, REALLY looked into the eyes of the person whom you are sharing the meal with?

Never mind!

Let me ask you a better question.

• “When was the last time you gave the food in front of you a real thought?”
• “Where did all of this come from?”
• “How much labor and manpower was spent so that this bowl of rice could end up in front of me?”
• “How is it going to nourish me?”

Never mind!

• “Why do we eat?’
• “What do YOU eat for?”
• For energy? For fulfilment? For happiness? Or just out of primal, carnal need?
• Do you even have an answer to this, or too preoccupied with multitasking to think about such a TRIVIAL thing?

The Problem: Multitasking at the Dinner Table

Let us not mind anything? Why think? Why ask questions? Why bother? We are a generation of mindless dimwits who are living on autopilot anyways, right! RIGHT?

We’re a generation of constant multitaskers, scrolling Instagram, answering emails, or binge-watching shows even while eating.

We pride ourselves on being “everywhere at once,” but when it comes to meals, this habit turns us into mindless eaters. We are so busy multitasking and being present at 10 different places at the same time… we are the living and breathing examples of “Jack of all traits, and master of NONE!”

Reality check: No one is going to miss you if you’re offline for 30 minutes. If even world leaders can make time for dinner without their phones, so can you.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, non judgmentally!

Mindfulness or mindful awareness for me is being fully immersed in the act and the experience.

Mindful, is what Arjun was when he was able to focus only on the bird’s eye, zoning everyone and everything else out! “Its absolute focus…”

Mindful, is what Sachin is when he is on the field, batting! “Its concentration…”

Mindful is what YOU are, in a meeting/at an interview/with a client! Fully present in the moment, no excuses, no distractions! “Its paying attention…”

Now if all these situations can make you want to pay all of your attention to the task at hand, why oh why in the world would you choose not to implement the same in your personal life?

Why come home and slouch on the couch in front of the TV for hours (instead of engaging in one of your hobbies)? Why check your instagram at the dinner table (instead of savoring the the blessing on the plate) or sharing that time with your family?

I know we are a generation of instant gratification (YOLO right?), but the food in front you also deserves some gratitude and recognition, so does the gorgeous person who cooked it for you!

So, stop being so self-absorbed! No one is going to miss you if you are off the internet for half an hour!

Reality check; you are not that hip or Important! You are not the leader of the free world who has to be available to ALL 24×7! And if even he can make time for family and dinner, what great excuse you have to not do so?

Be little more thankful, mindful, little more dutiful and keep that phone off the dinner table.

Just like no one had to teach you “No chatting on whatsapp with your honey while sitting in front of a client!” You instinctively knew it, because it is common sense. Likewise, “No checking emails, tweets, insta/fb posts while sitting in front of your honey and the food that she prepared for you!”

Takeaway Message

Look at your plate, REALLY look at the food, breathe in the aroma, feel the texture while chewing it, indulge all your senses in the experience of eating, in other words, be a mindful eater!

Why Mindful Eating Matters?

Mindful eating is about fully engaging with your food, the taste, aroma, texture, and even the gratitude for the people who made it possible. Basically, mindful eating helps us build a positive relationship with the food. It also helps restores our self-esteem and body image by shifting the focus from calories to nourishment!

It helps with weight loss and maintenance by preventing us from over-eating! And, because we deserve it. We work so hard for that plate full of food, we deserve to enjoy it, enjoy every single bite of it.

One personal tip to help you become a mindful eater… Praying before a meal helps. It doesn’t have to be a religious thing (if you are not into religion that is). It doesn’t have to be a spiritual thing either (although being spiritual and mindful does go hand in hand!). Just think about the food in front of you, think how it is going to nourish you, and thank all the people who have worked diligently to provide you with it!

Benefits of Mindful Eating

• Better Relationship with Food – Focus on nourishment, not just calories.
• Improved Self-Esteem & Body Image – Shift from diet culture to mindful nourishment.
• Weight Management – Helps prevent overeating by recognizing hunger cues.
• Better Digestion – Eating slowly improves nutrient absorption.

Why Phones Don’t Belong at the Table?

Here’s why your phone is the biggest enemy of mindful eating.

• Distraction – You miss the flavors, aromas, and joy of the meal.
• Disconnected Relationships – You ignore the people right in front of you.
• Mindless Overeating – You eat more without realizing it.

Just like you’d never scroll Instagram during an important client meeting, you shouldn’t do it when dining with loved ones.

How to Practice Mindful Eating?

1. Put Away the Phone: Keep it in another room if possible. Out of sight, out of mind.

2. Engage All Your Senses: Look at your plate, smell the aroma, notice textures, savor flavors.

3. Chew Slowly: Not only improves digestion but makes eating more enjoyable.

4. Say a Silent Thanks: You don’t have to be religious, just acknowledge the farmers, laborers, and cooks who made your meal possible.

“With every bite, think of your motherland,
Remember the farmers and workers’ hands,
Appreciate the effort, big and small,
And enjoy your meal, savoring it all.”

Wrapping Up – Keep Your Phone Off the Dinner Table

Your food deserves gratitude. Your loved ones deserve your attention. Keep your phone off the dinner table and turn mealtimes into moments of connection, reflection, and nourishment.