You’ve likely encountered the self-flagellating concept of ‘rawdogging’ a flight. It involves sitting for the duration of your flight with absolutely no entertainment whatsoever; no books, no Nintendo Switch, no in-flight movie, no polite conversation with the elderly couple you’re blocking from the aisle.
Just you and your thoughts. The fewer of those you tend to have, the better your chances of survival.
That might sound like a hellish experience, but thankfully the concept of ‘rawdogging’ your dinner is considerably less brutal.
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According to nutritionist Kyle Crowley from Protein Works, eating your meals without any distractions can offer a range of health benefits. In other words, gormlessly eating your bolognese with Countryfile on the telly isn’t the way to go.
Here are the six alleged benefits that Crowley proposed.
1. Improved digestion
The increased focus on chewing, savouring your food and managing your pace can supposedly aid the digestion process.
"When you focus solely on eating, your body can better manage the digestive process," said Crowley.
"This means chewing thoroughly and eating slowly, which promotes efficient breakdown of food and reduces the risk of digestive issues like bloating and discomfort."
2. Improved nutrient uptake
Crowley posited that a distracted mind can create a distracted gut, preventing you from absorbing the full scope of nutrition offered by your grub.
"Distractions divert blood flow and attention away from the digestive system," he said.
"By 'rawdogging your meals', you allow your body to prioritise digestion, ensuring optimal nutrient absorption and maximising the benefits of the food you consume."
3. Easier portion control
Maintaining focus on your meal can make it easier to tell when you’re full, or so Crowley says, and thereby help you to avoid overindulgence and resultant weight gain.
"Being present during meals helps you tune into your body's hunger and fullness signals, preventing overeating and supporting healthy weight management," he said.
"This mindful approach promotes a balanced relationship with food."
4. Lowered risk of gastrointestinal issues
You might eat on the go, such as while you’re walking back to the office or between the kitchen and living room, and Crowley says that this can have a negative impact upon your digestion.
“Multitasking during meals can lead to improper digestion, causing issues like indigestion and heartburn," Crowley explained.
"Focusing on your food allows your digestive system to function efficiently, minimising these risks."
5. A stronger metabolism
Crowley says that sitting calmly and with good posture can help your digestive system to process the food properly and maintain a healthy metabolism.
"Proper digestion and nutrient absorption are crucial for metabolic health," he said.
"By focusing on the food you consume alone, your body can better regulate blood sugar levels and energy metabolism, contributing to overall metabolic efficiency and aiding in preventing metabolic disorders."
6. Heightened enjoyment
Finally, if you’re paying closer attention to your meal, you’re more likely to properly enjoy it.
"Taking a moment to truly savour your food not only enhances your physical health but also brings joy and satisfaction to your meals," said Crowley.
"When you focus on the taste, texture, and aroma of your food, you create a more enjoyable eating experience.
"This mindful eating practice encourages you to appreciate the food you are consuming, understand why you are eating it, and really enjoy the flavours, making each meal a delightful experience!"
It certainly all sounds more worthwhile than hurtling through the sky without so much as a sudoku to quiet the voices in your head.
Rachael Davis