Another reason to sit down while you eat
The science:
Sitting down for your meals and snacks helps you practice mindful eating, but a new study shows that’s not the only reason you should take a seat. Researchers found that people rated food as less pleasurable when they ate it standing compared to sitting.
Expert insight:
This isn’t a mental effect—there’s actually a physiological reason for it, says study author Dipayan Biswas, Ph.D., professor of business and marketing at the University of South Florida in Tampa.
The physical demands of standing, though minor, send more blood into your lower extremities and cause a spike in cortisol. That stress dulls your senses, thereby making foods taste more bland, he explains.
The bottom line:
If you’re at a backyard party or cocktail hour with minimal seating, you may be able to minimize the effects by consciously lowering your stress levels. Try lengthening your exhale before eating to make each bite as flavorful and satisfying as it can be.