Scientists Offer Weight Loss Tip: Dine Solo, Eat Less

Experts say that eating alone actually helps in various ways, such as losing weight and "rebooting" one's self.

Eating alone has received a lot of stigma in the past, but is now a growing fad. In a press release, online restaurant reservation service website OpenTable reveals that the amount of solo dining reservations over the past two years has increased by 62 percent, which makes it the fastest growing “table party size.”

As the number of solo diners increase, more and more people will get to experience some of its perks.

In his book "Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think," Brian Walsink describes a study that tested the possible benefits of eating alone. The study arrived at its findings via the help of pizza, cookies, soda, and some people.

In two separate but scientist-observed situations, participants were tasked to eat. First they ate alone, and in another occasion they ate with a group of four to eight people. It was found that when they ate alone, the participants ate more or less amount of food compared to when they eat with a group. This is because other people's eating habits affect theirs.

Walsink said, as per Medical Daily, that a person becomes an “undercover pacesetter” when eating with a person. Such pacesetters subtly suggests the amount of food that others will eat, and the speed with which to eat.

Both heavy and light eaters may benefit from that study: Heavy eaters who wish to eat less might find light eaters as motivational lunch partners for weight loss purposes; and light eaters could just decide to eat alone, so their eating habits won't be enlarged by companions who love a big meal.

Aside from its physical health benefits, psychologist Dr. Sherrie Bourg Carter said via Psychology Today that eating alone also has psychological bonuses.

According to Bourg Carter, solitude, which can be achieved by eating alone, gives a person's brain time to rest and replenish itself. With a lot less distractions (provided that solo eaters turn their phones off and stop taking selfies along with their food), a person will be able to improve their concentration; think deeply; work out problems more effectively; and even help in self-understanding, which is a necessity in enhancing the quality of interpersonal relationships.

OpenTable Chief Dining Officer Caroline Potter said that "Solo dining is about treating yourself to a delicious experience and savoring every bite. From communal and counter seating to doting table service, restaurants are welcoming parties of one with open arms."

So are you apprehensive of eating alone? Try it. The experts say that it's actually good.