Maybe they're trying to reference the idea that if you eat as a secondary thing to your primary activity (like TV), you're more likely to choose less-than-healthy food? (Also, what Cindy said).

I do believe that if you multitask (doing more than having a good conversation) while you're eating, you are in danger of missing the fact that you're hunger has been sated, and eating more than you need.

What Cindy said.

That sounds craxy to me. The only thing I can think that would make any sense at all is that when you eat while doing other things you might eat faster and chew less, which might result in food not being entirely digested, causing less absorption of nutrients, but it's not a direct causal relationship.

Special for bon bon: I'm now going to be late for work because Roger Clark is walking on the model NYC at the Queens Museum. Hilarious!

I saw that too! (Every morning we rewind to today's papers-- except for a couple mornings this week when I found out that TP isn't on before 7:45!!-- and then FF to Roger. Love!) I can't believe I've been to the museum and Roger hadn't!

I can't believe I've been to the museum and Roger hadn't!

Yeah, that was weird.

DDR is actually a pretty good workout. I've never tried any of the fitness games.

I am now obsessed with Normal Room. I'm going to spend all morning peering into other people's kitchens. I blame you people.

The only thing I can think that would make any sense at all is that when you eat while doing other things you might eat faster and chew less, which might result in food not being entirely digested, causing less absorption of nutrients, but it's not a direct causal relationship.

I think that actually is what they concluded with that study, but you're right; it's just as true for people who focus totally on their food and bolt it down like wolves. It's not caused by multitasking.

Besides, when I multitask while eating, I eat more slowly, because I keep dropping the fork to grab the mouse or a pen.

Okay I asked my nutritionist friend about that statement and this is what she responded:

The general concept is actually correct - but I don't know where she got the "30%" figure. The idea is based on the fact that the sympathetic and para-sympathetic sides of your nervous system cannot both be "turned on" at the same time. One controls resting, digesting, etc. and the other controls your reactions and actions when doing other stuff (like working, driving, etc.). So, if you're not relaxed and focusing soley on eating, your not allowing your nervous system to switch over completely and your digestive system, therefore, will not be able to be working optimally.

I think overall, we have a chewing problem. Isn't it like, 80% of your digestion could take place in your mouth, but we all just gulp and swallow? Spurious science again, I suppose, 'cause I don't have a cite. But I think I could probably stand to chew more.