Eating in this position is a very bad idea, yet many French people do it.

Eating a balanced diet is important for your health, but so is the position in which you eat your meal. Many French people do whatever they want…

Taking the time to eat a balanced meal is very important. However, in everyday life, we sometimes eat on the go and sometimes anywhere. However, it is recommended to eat in a neutral and upright position, without bending over. A certain habit when eating is, the opposite, strongly discouraged.

According to nutritionist and pharmacist Deborah Grayson, at theMirror, this precise position can lead to health problems. By adopting it, the passage of food through the digestive tract is not optimal, which can cause indigestion, reflux and heartburn.

It's ultimately very simple: you should never eat slumped on your sofa, whatever the menu. And even though it may be tempting when you get home from work to sit on the sofa in front of the TV and make yourself a meal tray. Filling your stomach on the sofa is not good for your posture: this position can force you to bend over, thereby exerting pressure on the abdomen.

However, it is a widespread habit among the French. According to a survey by YouGov, conducted among more than 13,000 adults between May 13 and May 31, 2024, the French are increasingly adept at this practice. 14% of French people most often eat their meals on the couch, which represents a few million people… However, 78% of them still eat most of the time at the table. Even after the meal, you should ideally leave a little time before diving straight into the couch, at least 20 minutes. The same goes for bed.

If you add the TV, it's even worse. According to the expert, television distracts and therefore the attention paid to the meal is less. “Without the television to distract you, you will be more aware of what you are eating, chewing more slowly and more completely. This will allow your digestive system to break down your food more easily,” she explained. Such a habit can also lead to weight gain.

Deborah Grayson also recommends eating without your phone, which has similar consequences. However, 67% of French people say they regularly watch something, whether it's TV, computer or smartphone, while they empty their plate.