Do you watch t.v while eating your meal?
By eurekafemme
@eurekafemme (5877)
Philippines
February 8, 2010 10:47am CST
Hello, guys.Magandang umaga (12:43 A.M) from the Philippines:-)
I noticed that most Filipino families would watch tv while having their lunch or dinner. It is maybe they don't want to miss the noontime show or the primetime soaps.
But for me, I'd rather not watch tv at all while enjoying my meal with my family. Meal time for me is bonding time with my family. It is the time when we get to talk about us.
However, there are times that I am eating alone and I hate it so I am turning the tv on Travel and Living Channel.
How about you, you do or you don't? Thank you for the response in advance.:-)
4 people like this
40 responses
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
8 Feb 10
Ah,you must be eating alone, too. Because if you've got company you'll focus your attention to them rather than do anything else while eating.:-)
Reading is better than watching tv, at least in my own opinion. However, you tend to prolong the eating process if what you are reading is more appealing than the food you are chewing.LOL
Good morning, Sushie and thank you for responding.:-)
@sushie93 (1355)
• France
8 Feb 10
Ah no, i'm not alone when i eat meals, there are always all my family including my brother, my father and mother and my grandmother but i prefer to watching tv/ reading a book because we don't talk very munch, we prefer have others divertissments. 
Have a nice day! ^^
Have a nice day! ^^@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
8 Feb 10
Oh, that is very unusual or maybe you have a different way of sharing bond with your family. In my family, it is a no, no to read or watch tv or do anything if dining with company. We are too conservative compared to yours, I guess.:-)
@Ingkingderders (3832)
• Philippines
9 Feb 10
I usually eat alone, cause I live in an apartment in the city with 2 of my siblings and our schedules are different. So when I eat my lunch and dinner I usually open the tv to the news channel or something, since I don't like watching noontime shows. Hehehe.
@Ingkingderders (3832)
• Philippines
21 Feb 10
Hahahahaha. Noontime shows are just really not my type. It's weird and well, it's weird. Hahahaha.
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
21 Feb 10
Weird? :-) Well, that is another way of describing it. I can't be entertained , too watching noontime show while enjoying my meal.I thought, I am weird for feeling such way. I'm glad you told me that.:-)
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
20 Feb 10
Hello, Ingkingderders. Thank you for responding.:-)
Most of us are resorting to watching tv when we are forced to eat alone. What a best way to eradicate boredom while eating and somehow to momentarily forget that we are alone indeed is to watch tv.
You are like my partner, he'd open up the tv when I can't join him for meals but it is most to watch news or other shows except noontime ones.:-)
Have a great day and happy mylotting.;-)
@Buchi_bulla (8298)
• India
9 Feb 10
Now-a-days all are busy in our house and each one will have their own eating times different from others. Hence I watch TV when I am eating. I eat in the hall as the dining table is there only and the tv is also in the hall. So I eat my food watching some good programme.
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
20 Feb 10
Hell, Buchi_bulla. Thank you for the participation:-)
That is the ultimate way of escaping loneliness while eating alone. I hate also to just eat and not having anything to enjoy other than my meal. I couldn't just sit and chew.LOL. But, I don't watch tv, I read.
Have a great day.:-)
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
8 Feb 10
I love my television and I cannot live without it! I don't have it on during the day but I tend to turn it on in the evening and love to watch family dramas and things and so, I guess I have my meal in front of the telly and there's nothing wrong with this I guess! I guess the traditional way of eating around a proper sized dining table has gone! Some people probably still like to eat their meals this way but I guess the majority of people like to have their meals on their laps, it's far more comfortable I think although there is always the risk that a mess may be caused! Andrew
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
14 Feb 10
Hello, Andrew.:-)
Absolutely there's nothing with what you are doin especially if you are eating alone.:-)
We have different preference on how to do things and it is a normal thing that we only do things that gives us satisfaction and enjoyment.If tv completes a meal or a day for you, then so be it. Lifestyles as well as people's point of views changed as we tried to cope with the busy world.
Most people on the go will do what you are doing, I believe.:-)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Happy heart's day.:-)
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
14 Feb 10
Eclipse,hi there.:-)
I wonder what will happen to you if technology and civilization do not exist anymore.LOL
You are giving me an impression that you are a couch potato, am I right? You must be so hook on tv that it even has an effect on how your food taste. 
That makes me wonder, too, what are watching while eating.
Have a wonderful day. Happy heart's day, too.;-)
That makes me wonder, too, what are watching while eating.
Have a wonderful day. Happy heart's day, too.;-)
@eclipse123 (10)
• India
9 Feb 10
i too love my television and no seconds without television. i love my food to eat only if there is a tv.
@Boyetski (986)
• Philippines
9 Feb 10
I always do it. Since time now a days seems to run with the wind. Im used to multi tasking hehe. Besides there is nothing wrong eating while watching television. I believe its not disrespecting. And since you are alone eating, you are doing the right thing so you wont get bored or get depressed. hehe
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
20 Feb 10
Hello, Boyetski. Thank you for responding.:-)
Absolutely true. There's nothing wrong about watching tv while eating or vice versa especially if you are alone. That is the most convenient and realistic way (I guess) to cope with boredom and loneliness.
Just don't forget to mind what you are eating and how much or you'll end up having indigestion.:-)
Have a wonderful day ahead.:-)
1 person likes this
@Hiker769 (85)
• United States
9 Feb 10
Sometimes. I live with my girlfriend, and we have been eating in front of the tv for years. I started since I didn't have a table in my old apartment, and it's followed us to our new one. But the last apartment we had we didn't have a tv, so we ate at the dining room table listening to music.
Ever since our tv, even though we only have over the air, we usually eat on the couch in front of it. But I've been trying to get us eating at the table so we can talk(not that we can't talk in front of the tv, but we don't much), Also, since I'm home more I do most of the cleaning, and have noticed a whole buncha crumbs around the futon. It just makes me vacuum more.
On a side note, I'm guessing that's why my parents never let us eat anywhere other then the tv. Because us kids had to do the cleaning and back then my cleaning habits were super sub par.
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
16 Feb 10
Hi there, Hiker.:-)
If I were your parent, I will not allow you to eat anywhere in the house other than in the dining room or table. It is kind of messy indeed to do all the cleaning after you have eaten.:-)
Watching tv while eating can be destructive and yes, it also vie for one's attention therefore the less chance of having a nice conversation while enjoying your food.
You are like my partner who hates tv during meal time except if there's a boxing show or news on air.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and thought. Have a wonderful evening.:-)
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
18 Feb 10
Hey, you're not the only one who wants to eat pizza and fast food in front of the tv set. I do that, too but with everybody.LOL. Eating snacks is not as "formal" as having our regular meals. My husband sometimes do it in front of his pc.
Thank you also for being so patient responding back.:-) Gave a wonderful day ahead, my dear.:-)
@Hiker769 (85)
• United States
16 Feb 10
Hi eurekafemme,
Whiel I agree about how messy meating is, especially for kids, they didn't clean up, My brother and I got a $1 a week to dust and vacuum the house. I would have been fine if the rule was "you must vacuum the room after you're done eating in there", instead of "no food other than the dining room table, and you must clean the house by yourselfs anyway". And as of late, my parents have told me how they now eat wherever they feel like it.
It all depends on my moods, really. Eating in front of the tv, every meal, is starting to wear on me, almost feel, I dunno, kinda childess perhaps. But Then some night I don't care, especially the pizza and fast food one.
Thanks for the discussion.
@illfavors (590)
• United States
9 Feb 10
We do every once in a while. We did last night. It just depends on what we are eating and how we are feeling that day. We try to use our table more than often because it's easier to communicate with each other and helps us eat slower.
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
20 Feb 10
Hello there, Illfavors. :-)
Well, glad to hear that you don't do that more often. It is said to be not good for the digestion (watching tv while eating, I mean).
As I believe in the old saying that there's always a proper place for everything and a right time as well. :-)
You are lucky that you have a family to enjoy both tv and meals anytime you want them.:-)
Thank you for responding and have a wonderful day.:-)
@primeaque86 (8105)
• Philippines
16 Feb 10
Magandang Umaga femme, I am happy to know you are from Philippines too, davao is it? Well I dont have tv only my PC so I could really watch TV hehehehe. But sometimes I am doing mylot while eating or watching you tube.. heheheheh
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
23 Feb 10
Kamusta, Primeaque.:-)
A monitor is a great companion while eating a great meal, isn't it? Especially if you are eating alone. Youngsters like yourself are prone to doing this.
Thank you for responding, my dear. I'm from Aklan but is currently residing here in Manila.:-)
Magandang gabi.:-)
@myzire72 (1154)
• Singapore
9 Feb 10
I don't eat while watching TV. It's just not my habit. I guess it's not healthy as well, and one of the causes of obesity is just that - watching TV and eating the same time. People get so engrossed in the TV programs that they are not conscious of the food that they eat, and therefore, end up eating more than necessary. I agree with you that meal time is also bonding time with our families, where we sit down and have a nice chit-chat while eating.
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
20 Feb 10
That is a very wise observation, Myzire. There were several studies that linked eating while watching tv to such illness (obesity).It is also good to hear from your side that you still do observe that old tradition wherein families to bond during meal time. It is very old tradition but is still very effective in maintaining a strong ties with each of the members.:-)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and ideas with us.Have a great day ahead.:-)
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
20 Feb 10
Hello, Pradeep.:-)
Maximizing your time, huh?;-)Well, I think you both get the benefits of enjoying your meal as well as enjoying a very good show. JUst don't focus your attention too much on tv or else you will eat more than what you need.;-)
Thank you for resonding and welcome to Mylot.:-) Have a wonderful weekend, too.:-)
@bigbucks101 (27)
• Indonesia
9 Feb 10
Sometimes I do sometimes i don't depend on the situation. When my family at home, i will eat with them in the dining room. But when they're not at home i eat while I watching TV cause I don't like eating alone in silence.
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
23 Feb 10
Hello, Bigbucks.:-) Welcome to mylot and thank you for the participation in this discussion.:-)
I can very well agree with you that nobody wants to eat in deep silent because he or she is alone.Somehow, we need to have company to enjoy our food. Most of us, indeed, will resort to watching tv in the absence of a family memeber or a friend over a meal.
Thank you again and have a wonderful day ahead.:-)
@natjohn20 (200)
• Philippines
9 Feb 10
My mom wont allow me to eat while watching TV its not proper to eat while eating cuz the food you eat came from God and you should treat it like a blessing from above and respect it and also you mentioned about family bonding time and I respect that. You can learn more about your family if you eat together sharing stories on the things that happen today or your problems in life its a good thing bonding with your family. We cant acquire values watching TV and eating our meals at the same time its not proper and I think we miss out on a good family time cuz eating dinner or lunch is family time ^ ^
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
21 Feb 10
Hello, Natjohn.:-)
Most traditional families would not encourage the young ones to develop such habit. Watching tv while eating is definitely a no-no for the reasons that you've stated.You speak the truth that we do learn about our family member's life a little deeper when we share time together during a sumptuous meal.
Yes, my great grandparents as well as my parents are also resenting the idea of watching tv while eating because for them food is like a sacred thing that should be given a special attention while enjoying it.:-)
Thank you so much, Natjohn for sharing that valuable fact and for reminding me, too.:-) Have a great day.:-)
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
23 Feb 10
Hi there,Atv:-)
Thank you for the response. You do have a busy schedule,then, multi tasking is the best option. And, yup, watching tv while having your meal to multi task seems an ordinary thing to consider now adays.:-)
@humprey89 (10)
• Philippines
9 Feb 10
i do watch tv while eating my meal when im alone to eat sometimes. it is how i do to overcome boredom
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
16 Feb 10
Hi there, Humprey.:-)
Firstly, welcome to Mylot and thanks for responding to this topic.:-)
Many of us do that, I mean, watching tv while eating alone. It is boring indeed to just stare at your food. No matter how delicious it is, without something or someone to spice it up more, it still tastes bland, isn't it?
Happy Mylotting. I hope you'll enjoy being a part of this community.:-)
@syedayub (252)
• India
9 Feb 10
Hello there, not only filipino families would watch tv, whiling having their lunch or dinner, I am from India, around 80% indian familes do watch Tv while having dinner or lunch, might be around 60 to 70 % of world people like to watch TV, while having their lunch or dinner. In India, can say that people don't want to miss noontime or prime time show, people had made a habit of watching TV, it's not right watching TV all the time while having dinner or lunch, but some times. Coming to me, i do watch TV, when i am alone having dinner or lunch.
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
20 Feb 10
Good morning, Syedayub, from the Philippines.:-)
You are very right having to say that. I guess all over the world there is a large of percentage of population who would watch tv while eating not just lunch or dinner but practically any meal they would prefer to. It is true indeed that it has become part of the habit of the many of us especially when we are living in busy world wherein schedules doesn't meet at all, therefore, we are left by our lonesome to enjoy what is suppose to be shared with our other family members.
Very good observation, Syedayub. Welcome to Mylot and have a great day.:-)
@wishuluck (233)
• Lithuania
9 Feb 10
I do :) I often watch TV while eating. especially in the morning, while having breakfast before going to work. i find myself eating at the TV in the evening as well. luckily i have no chance to eat and watch tv while i'm eating my lunch :)
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
20 Feb 10
LOL. Thank you for the amusing remarks, my dear.:-)
You probably not dare try eating your lunch while watching tv or you'll be hook and be late for work ( I so presumed that you do an office job).:-)
Have a wonderful day. Abd, happy Mylotting.:-)
@ErrSmth (39)
• Indonesia
9 Feb 10
yea i do eat while watching TV. i am pretty okay with TV while i eat. but i always disgusted when the TV shows gory stuffs or things that makes me lose my appetite. so i prefer to eat in front of my laptop rather than in front of my TV. though it is not a good idea. cause i will have food scraps all over my comp tables.
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
20 Feb 10
LOL. That is basically the reason why children are not encourage to eat somewhere else other than the dining table, because of the scraps to clean up after.:-)
We couldn't control what shown on tv and if you are that person who couldn't take gory shows, then, computer is one great option, indeed.
Thank, Errsmth for the response. Welcome to Mylot. I do hope you'd have a great time here.:-)
@shivasaibaba (4)
• India
9 Feb 10
hiii,my name shiva from india i will watch the t.v while eating my meals lunch or dinner i like all the shows in t.v i want miss the shows in t.v and i will do while lunch also i will watch the t.v
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
20 Feb 10
Hi there, Shiva. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the matter here:-)
Just like anyone, you are prone to doing that because tv has a lot of things to offer especially when we are alone. It has presented a good companion especially during meal times. But, while others do it mostly for this reason, you are one of the few people who are doing it because you love all the tv shows. You must be a certified couch potato.:-)
Thank you and have a great day. Welcome to Mylot, as well. May you find this site worthy of your time.:-)
@jstrx_24 (40)
• Philippines
9 Feb 10
Hi eurekafemme.. Watching t.v while eating food.. Its commonly noticed that eating while watching something does not apply only to watching your favorite series on t.v .. It can also be seen in theaters, but the experience you get from watching your favorite t.v series with your family is a plus... Hek, you got an interesting topic..
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
20 Feb 10
Hi there. Jstrx. Thank you.:-)
You are very onbservant.:-)Eating while watching or vise versa is commonly a thing to do especially if you are in the relax mood. And, you are right, some of the families do eat together while watching tv together,too.:-)
Welcome to Mylot and may you enjoy being part of this community.:-)
@minotaur87 (769)
• Singapore
9 Feb 10
Before I actually had a laptop and I usually watch TV during my leisure time, I usually watch TV while eating. Most of the prime time TV shows are shown during dinner time. However, after getting the laptop, I find better things to do online so I usually rush my dinner and go back to laptop again.
@eurekafemme (5877)
• Philippines
20 Feb 10
That's a good thing for you, my dear.:-) At least now, you have to focus on your food and do the other thing after grabbing a meal which is a healthier and wiser practice. Watching tv while eating can make you overeat. :-)
Thank you for responding, Minotaur. Have a great day.:-)
