Fast Eaters May Weigh More!
A recent study which appeared in the British Medical Journal shows that fast eaters who eat until they are full are three times more likely to be overweight than slow eaters. The study measured the eating habits of nearly 3300 Japanese adults. The adults in the study reported how quickly they ate and weather or not they ate until full. The participants had their height, weight and body mass index (BMI) recorded.
Most participants weren’t overweight, but the study found that the odds of being overweight were three times more likely for people who recorded eating quickly or until full.
Here are a three tips to help you eat more slowly.
1. Never eat alone. When you eat alone, you tend to eat faster and in greater quantities. In contrast, dining with others will help you to slow down your pace, by interjecting your meal with interesting conversation (imagine that!). People also tend to eat in smaller quantities when dining with others.
2. Avoid fast food. Most people who eat fast food tend to eat it in their cars and in a very short amount of time. As we rush through our busy, often chaotic lives, we forget that dining can be a source of relaxation and stress relief. The quick meal devoured in the parking lot of some fast food joint could hardly be called relaxing.
3. Chew, chew, chew, and chew again. Horace Fletcher was known as the Great Masticator. Fletcher recommended that all food be chewed 32 times before swallowing. He said that prolonged mastication prevented overeating, improved dental health, and increased nutrient absorption. As an added bonus Fletcher also stated that this habit saved money too! The act of chewing food fully has been known as “Fletcherism” ever since.
Eating slowly will help you to reduce your overall food intake. It will also help you to lose weight, aid your overall digestion and help you to enjoy your food more.
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