You might not really think about the pace at which you eat — but your eating speed can definitely influence your weight. When you eat quickly, your body doesn’t have enough time to send the signal that you’re full.
As a result, you may eat too much and consume more calories than your body needs. If this happens regularly, it can lead to weight gain. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular problems, among many other health complaints.
In our busy lives, we often pay little attention to our mealtimes. But eating slowly gives your body time to feel full, which means you’ll naturally eat less. It’s also more enjoyable — you taste and savor your food more. Eating slowly allows you to better recognize when you’re satisfied. Chewing more thoroughly also helps your body absorb nutrients better. Chewing activates enzymes in the mouth that assist with digestion. By chewing your food well, you support your digestive system — particularly your intestines. So slower eating can reduce your overall energy intake. Slowing down could therefore be a helpful strategy for weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight.
Helpful tips:
-
Take smaller bites — using smaller cutlery can help.
-
Don’t cut your food too finely — this way, you have to chew more.
-
Put your cutlery down between bites.
-
Try eating with others — conversation naturally slows down your eating pace.