Speed and Eating

Speed eating makes us lose our edge. Eating fast ignores our body's natural timing by bypassing enzymes in the mouth. Speed eating is what animals do who fear for their lives. Do you eat fast because you are afraid? Slow down and breathe more. You are stronger than fear.

Speed kills the pleasure of eating. Let's be honest here. Do you really get enough pleasure in your life? If not, then eat slower by chewing more and learn to savor the pleasure of flavor with your tongue. Chewing more has its benefits. When you really taste your food, you eat less! Nice.

There was a diet fad in the late 19th century that promoted chewing more to lose weight. Chewing more slows down how fast we eat, which in our busy lives means we eat less. Studies show "those who chew more consume 12% less food". Research shows that cutting 12% of your calories consumed could result in losing 25 pounds in a year. Not bad.  

Use curiosity and self-respect to protect yourself from speed eating.

Talking more at mealtime is another way to slow down how fast you eat. Be social! We're entering a season of parties where eating slowly and enjoying the experience of taste is an easy way to protect you from putting on pounds.

Everyone is concerned about maintaining health and weight during the party season. Pause between bites and talk more to others to feed emotional and social hunger. Here are some food facts about healthy eating to start conversations. 

Did you know?

Chocolate: dark (at least 60%) is best for health; enjoy a few bites.

Nuts: just a small handful, well chewed, gives us long-term energy.

Pumpkin & Sweet Potatoes:  are mega vitamins for our immune system.

Pomegranate:  is an anti-inflammatory that benefits the nervous system & inhibits tumor cell growth.

Cinnamon: helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and is also anti-bacterial.

Cranberries: are high in vitamin C; eat in moderation.

Nutmeg:  in small amounts can enhance sleep and regulate anxiety.

Brussels Sprouts: protect against cancer.

#janebernard