Work Eats: Urban Indians Skip Meals for Screen Time

Urban Indians are now often eating meals dictated by work schedules, not hunger, a trend highlighted by the WHO and ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition. This shift means meals are frequently consumed around work calls and while remaining on screen, replacing traditional mealtimes with fragmented eating between tasks.

Lunch breaks are shrinking or disappearing, with many opting for quick, portable foods that minimize disruption. This distracted eating, where meals are consumed while working, is linked to digestive discomfort and fluctuating energy levels, according to public health guidance.

Screen-heavy professions are driving these habits, with long hours and constant availability expected. The ICMR notes that rapid or inattentive eating can degrade dietary quality over time. International research also connects irregular eating patterns to fatigue, a growing concern in Indian cities.

This pattern is widespread, with eating at desks becoming normalized and proper meal breaks seeming indulgent. The modern workday's structure, filled with back-to-back meetings and long hours, leaves little opportunity for regular, mindful meals.

Consequently, many professionals feel tired and unfocused, relying on caffeine and convenience foods. This stems not from a lack of health knowledge but from work cultures that do not prioritize adequate time for nourishment. Until work cultures change, proper eating will remain squeezed between tasks, not a regular part of the day, leading urban India to confuse endurance with health.