Phones, televisions and tablets frequently join us at the table, but eating while distracted may interfere with our awareness of the meal. Research suggests that screens can make it harder to notice hunger, satisfaction and how much food has been consumed.

A systematic review found that distracted eating was associated with greater food intake later in the day, although findings regarding how much people eat during the distracted meal were less consistent. Researchers believe distraction may weaken memory of the meal, leaving people less aware that they have recently eaten. A separate study involving young adults found that smartphone use during meals increased caloric intake and appeared to interfere with the cognitive processes that help regulate eating.

Screen-free meals may also create space for slower eating and greater awareness of flavor, texture and fullness. For families, putting devices aside offers another potential benefit: uninterrupted conversation and an opportunity to reconnect.

Creating a more attentive meal does not require an elaborate ritual. Silence notifications, place phones beyond reach and turn off the television. Take a moment to notice the food before beginning, then pause occasionally to check whether hunger has eased.

The occasional movie-night dinner is unlikely to undo healthy habits. The greater concern is allowing distracted eating to become the automatic setting for every meal.