Food is the subject but you have to actually read the discussion for specifics

By Amy
Abernathy, Texas
April 19, 2009 10:30pm CST
Food we all need it, next to water, it is one of the most crucial things we need for survival. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to food, spicy, sweet - in company or alone. There is another aspect of food that interests me though. How you consume it. I usually it slowly, which, in my work as a weight loss consultant, I found was helpful for weight loss. Its takes some time for our brains to catch up with our stomachs and realize we're full. Eating slowly can ensure that we don't eat enough to make ourselves uncomfortable and also enough to make it more difficult for our bodies to process slowing things down internally. Do you eat slowly or scarf it all down? I've seen some eating so quickly they fold up their pizzas to eat more in a shorter space of time and stuff handfuls of chips and fries in their mouths. I find eating more slowly allows me to enjoy what I eat and it makes it last longer without having more. How do you usually eat - are you the first one with a clean plate - or are you the last one lingering at the table - or somewhere in between?
2 people like this
4 responses
• Canada
20 Apr 09
I would be somewhere in between. I eat fairly slowly, yet not so slowly that I will be the last one left at the table with a half-full plate. As you mentioned in your post, our brains needs to be aware of the fact that we are eating, which, if I'm not mistaken takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Thus, I will chew every bite until it's completely broken down and put down my utensils between the bites. I find that this helps slow down the process. I also like to experience every flavor to the fullest. That, in itself, fills me up quite fast as well and I never actually feel the need to go for second servings once I'm done with what I have in my plate.
• Abernathy, Texas
20 Apr 09
You certainly have eating smarts. What trick I used to share with my clients was that I like to eat with chopsticks. Eat slows down the process even more and you can't shovel a large amount of food in at once. Its also fun!
• Canada
20 Apr 09
That is actually a wonderful idea - gotta get myself a pair of chopsticks, lol! Thank you for the tip!
• Abernathy, Texas
26 Apr 09
Let me know if this works for you. It is more fun!
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
21 Apr 09
THe one really bad part about this is the fact that starting as a child you are given a limited time in which you can eat.....when you start school you are only allowed a small amout of time....and when you get older and are working you also have a limited amount of time for a break...I fall somewhere inbetween.....I don't snarf my food but I do eat within a limited time.....if I am out I have a tendency to eat a little slower enjoying the company and conversation.
• Abernathy, Texas
21 Apr 09
Wow I never thought of that. That was true for me certainly - along with a granmother who liked to force food. Are you hungry was the big question - are you sure and on and on until you give in and then when you finish she wants to know what more you want!
@AmbiePam (85447)
• United States
20 Apr 09
Growing up I was the slowest eater in my family, but was still probably a faster eater than a lot of people. Now my grandparents take two hours to finish a meal, and they always have. But now that I'm older I eat slower. Like you, I've heard that eating slower makes one feel full faster. So I try to do that now.
• Abernathy, Texas
21 Apr 09
Yes, I certainly don't take two hours! Although nowadays it may come close - between slow eating and a toddler. And I usually eat my food cold even after warming it up a few times in the microwave. Nothing like a little radiation with my meal!
• United States
17 May 09
I eat fast, I have always have.i am you worse nightmare. I eat only one huge meal a day. I never eat vegetables and my favorite foods are what others call junk.I don;t fold my pizza and I eat French Fries two or so at a time but I do eat fast.and I wouldn't have it any other way.