🥩 Eating meals with family... does it help with weight loss?

You might be hearing the phrase, "Eating with loved ones helps you lose weight" —sounds like a joke, right? But gathering around the table changes the way we eat, reduces stress, and calms our appetites… and ultimately, it can have a positive effect on our weight without us even realizing it. Here's your casual yet smart guide to enjoying those gatherings to the fullest—from grilled meats and barbecues to kabsa, camel meat , mandi, minced meat, and burgers.

Why does gathering change the game?

• Eating becomes slower automatically: in a gathering, you talk and laugh between bites, so there is time for the satiety signal to reach the brain—so you eat less without feeling "deprived".
• Digestion is easier: Laughter reduces stress and raises happiness hormones; the result is less bloating and less heaviness after eating.
• Higher awareness without complication: Your focus is divided between conversation and food; the quantity is closer to your actual need.
• Calories burned by laughing: 10–15 minutes of laughter can burn up to 40 calories—enjoyment + a small amount of burning that accumulates.
• Brakes on emotional eating: Having people you love reduces anxiety and boredom—the biggest triggers for "muddle-up" eating.

The taste is sweeter and lighter when shared with others.

A positive atmosphere around the table significantly enhances the enjoyment of food. The aroma of barbecue and kind words make the same dish taste better and feel lighter.

How can we enjoy ourselves and lighten the mood… without sacrificing the flavor?

• Start with protein: kebabs, kofta, sausages, burgers—especially if the minced meat is well done—it will fill you up early.
• Salads and grilled vegetables: balance fats and reduce cravings for excess bread/rice.
• Change part of the rice: In Kabsa, reduce the ghee and increase the spices and side salad.
• Smart drinks: Water/milk with low salt content instead of heavy juices.
• No guilt: A feast of lamb or a whole sheep ? It's fine—eat slowly, enjoy, and tomorrow go back to the routine.

Quick and smart travel ideas for gatherings

1) Weekend barbecues and grills

Slice, season, and grill: Naeemi kebabs and kofta, meatballs, camel/beef burgers , and grilled vegetables. A light yogurt, lemon, and garlic sauce completes the look.

2) A "light" and rich Kabsa

Choose camel or Naeemi lamb with medium-fat cuts. Reduce the ghee and increase the spices and bay leaves, and serve with yogurt salad.

3) A feast for special occasions… no exaggeration

Distribute the portions and focus more on meat than rice, and keep the appetizers green. The atmosphere is more important than quantity.

4) Homemade burger sandwiches

Ground beef with a suitable fat content gives it excellent juiciness. Toasted bun + mild cheese + lettuce and tomato = a "homemade burger" that's smarter than store-bought.

How do you choose the right piece?

• For grilling: Cuts with reasonable marbling for tenderness and juiciness (lamb ribs, kebabs, burgers ).
• For Kabsa: Leg/shoulder with bone from camel or Naeemi sheep —richer broth and higher tenderness.
• For the mandi: large pieces that last longer; the bone adds flavor and holds the shape.
• For everyday recipes: Minced meat is a quick solution for kofta, fillings, and burgers.

"Uncomplicated Gathering" Weekly Plan

• Thursday/Friday: Barbecue with grilled vegetables and marinated protein.
• Saturday: Leftover barbecues transformed into protein sandwiches/salads.
• Sunday: A pot of Kabsa with camel meat — part for today and the rest for tomorrow's lunch.
• Monday: A tray of kofta or pasta with light minced meat.
• Tuesday: A quiet day—soup + salad.
• Wednesday: Pitt burger with a side salad.

Meat & More—Make getting together easier

• A selection of marinated and ready-to-eat grilled and barbecue meats .
• Camel meat and Naeemi lamb for Kabsa and Mandi.
• Minced meat with different fat percentages for kofta, burgers, and fillings.
• Cutting on demand, secure packaging, and refrigerated delivery to Riyadh and the Eastern Province.

Example of a "Today's Gathering" trip

A light appetizer (green salad), grilled lamb kebab and vegetables, a light yogurt sauce, and finished with mint tea. You'll notice the portions are smaller… and the satisfaction is greater.