Many of us rush through the day, so when we stop to eat, we rush through our meals too. With the simple but powerful act of eating slower, we can begin to reverse this unhealthy habit.
How hard is it? You take smaller bites, you chew each bite slower and longer and you enjoy your meal.
It only takes a few minutes extra each meal, and yet it can have profound effects. Here are some reasons why you should consider the simple act of eating slower.
1. Lose weight.
A growing number of studies confirm that just by eating slower, you will consume fewer calories - in fact, enough to lose 20 pounds a year without doing anything different or eating anything different. It takes about 20 minutes for our brains to register that we are full, so when we eat fast we often continue eating past the point where we are full. By eating slowly, it gives our brains time to recognise the feeling of fullness and stop. Of course, we should still be eating healthier foods, but if you are looking to lose weight, eating slowly should be a part of your new lifestyle.
2. Enjoy your food.
It is hard to enjoy your food if it goes by too quickly. Make your meals a gastronomic pleasure, savour the taste and enjoy them fully, so your meals are not just a thing you rush between stressful events.
3. Better digestion.
If you eat slower, you will chew your food better, which leads to better digestion. Digestion actually starts in the mouth, so the more work you do up there, the less your stomach has to do. This can help lead to fewer digestive problems.
4. Less stress.
Eating slowly, and paying attention to eating can be a great form of mindfulness exercise. Rather than rushing through a meal thinking about what you need to do next, be in the moment.
5. Rebel against fast food and fast life.
Our hectic, fast-paced, stressful, chaotic lives can lead to eating fast food and eating it quickly. This is a lifestyle that makes us unhealthy, stressed out and unhappy. We rush through our day, doing one task after another, without taking the time to live life, to enjoy life, to relate to each other, to be human. Instead, rebel against that entire lifestyle and philosophy, with the small act of eating slower. Do not eat fast food, eat at a good restaurant, or better yet, cook your own food and enjoy it fully.
With thanks to Good Habits, visit www.goodhabitsuae.com.