New Delhi: People frequently spend a considerable amount of energy planning what to eat, but rarely consider the manner in which they consume their meals. With modern habits often involving rushed eating while watching television or scrolling through smartphones, practicing mindfulness at the dinner table can easily become an afterthought. However, actor Pankaj Tripathi is actively learning to slow down and appreciate his meals, a lesson he considers vital.
In a video released by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, the acclaimed actor discussed how he discovered the value of mindful eating later in life. He admitted that he never used to practice it previously and has only recently realized its importance at the age of 50.
For Tripathi, this habit also connects back to traditional Indian food customs, where meals are traditionally greeted with gratitude, prayers, and respect. He noted that approaching food with such reverence feels almost akin to a form of worship. To incorporate this into his daily routine, the actor has spent the past month dedicating roughly half an hour to each meal, allowing himself time to properly taste and enjoy his food.
Experts emphasize that removing distractions like phones and screens during mealtime fosters a healthier relationship with food. Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar has frequently highlighted that minimizing distractions helps individuals make better food choices, improve satisfaction, avoid overeating, and support better digestion through thorough chewing.
Delhi-based lifestyle coach and yoga instructor Lakshika Vaid noted that awareness during meals allows people to tune into their bodies, assess ingredients, chew thoroughly, and recognize actual hunger levels rather than eating out of habit. Beginning this practice requires simple adjustments, such as putting away mobile devices, slowing down the pace, focusing on textures and flavors, and listening to natural fullness cues.