Eating slowly has been noticed by many people to help them lose weight and stay in shape, but that’s not the only benefit of eating slowly. There are many other mind-blowing benefits too. From improving digestion and absorbing nutrients to improving mental health, we’ve compiled a list of the surprising benefits of slowing down while eating.
Why You Should Eat Slowly
It may have been your mom’s nagging or an episode of a heath show, but you’ve probably heard the phrase “you should eat your food slowly” multiple times. In these times, the idea of slowing down when eating may feel counterintuitive because most of us live stressful, busy lives and want to finish our food quickly so we can move onto other tasks we need to do. But we can’t discount the importance of slowing down our eating habits. Slowing down when eating your food allows your body and brain to process your meal better and gives you a chance to really savor the flavor of each bite.
The Science Behind Eating Slowly
Let’s take a look at what the science tells us, when it comes to the importance of eating slowly. It has been scientifically proven that eating too fast can lead to excess calorie intake, weight gain, and even chronic illnesses over time. Research has found that those who eat slowly are generally more aware of their hunger, feel fuller faster and consume less food overall. Eating too quickly is also bad for digestion because it leaves your stomach little time to absorb all the nutrients, enzymes, and other natural elements found in food. Aside from that, eating quickly is detrimental to your mental health. Studies have suggested that eating slowly can help reduce stress and improve your overall wellbeing.
The Consequences Of Eating Too Quickly
Eating too quickly can have a whole series of consequences. Often, eating quickly can lead to poor digestion because there simply isn’t enough time for the stomach to break down the food. This symptom can also manifest itself in other ways. Poor digestion can also lead to frequent stomach aches and pains, indigestion, and heartburn. Some illnesses can also be caused by eating too quickly, such as obesity, diabetes, and even heart diseases. And, last but not least, excessive eating can have significant effects on mental health. Eating too quickly is often linked to stress, depression, and anxiety.
How to Eat Slowly
If you find yourself eating too fast, here are a few practical tips that can help you slow down.
● Chew your food thoroughly: Take time with each bite and make sure you chew it well. This will also help you savor the flavor of the food.
● Put your utensils down between bites: Take your time to enjoy your food and absorb what you’ve just eaten.
● Avoid multitasking: While eating, find a comfortable space and avoid multitasking by turning off any mobile devices or distractions.
● Sip water in between bites: A few sips of water can help prevent you from overeating.
● Take smaller bites: It takes a lot less time to swallow a small bite than a big one, so opt for smaller bites.
● Beware of certain meals: Some food is irritating to the digestive lining and difficult to digest, such as fried food or processed snacks between meals.
The Benefits of Eating Slowly
Now that we’ve established why slowing down when eating is so important and how to do it, let’s look at the mind-blowing benefits of eating slowly.
● Reduced calorie intake: One of the most immediate benefits of eating slowly is that it reduces calorie intake. Slowing down your eating makes it easier to recognize when you’re full, thus making it easier to remain within a healthy weight range.
● Improved digestion: When you take your time to chew, saliva breaks the food down faster and it’s easier for the intestine to digest properly. Eating slowly also gives your body enough time to absorb all of the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in each bite.
● Better nutrient absorption: Eating slowly also helps you absorb important nutrients in your food better. When food is chewed properly, it’s easier for the stomach to digest, leading to better nutrient absorption.
● Enhanced satiety: Eating slowly also helps to signal the brain that you’re full, and this promotes a feeling of satiety, or fullness.
● Improved mental wellbeing: Slowing down during meals will also reduce stress eating which can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.
The Mind-Blowing Benefits Of Eating Slowly
There’s no denying that eating slowly has a plethora of health benefits, from better digestion and nutrient absorption to improved mental wellbeing. If you’re looking for a sustainable way to improve your health, start by slowing down your meals. While it may sound difficult to do at first, if you start to incorporate our tips, you’ll be on your way to healthier habits in no time.
