Slower Eating

Slower eating is a mindful eating practice that involves deliberately reducing your eating pace to allow your body's natural hunger and fullness signals to register properly. When you eat quickly, your brain doesn't have enough time to receive and process the satiety signals from your stomach, often leading to overeating. The stomach takes approximately 20 minutes to signal to the brain that it's full, so eating slowly gives these signals time to register. This practice has numerous benefits, including improved digestion (as food is chewed more thoroughly), better nutrient absorption, reduced bloating and discomfort, enhanced enjoyment of food, and more effective weight management. Eating slowly also allows you to be more present during meals, appreciating the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food, which can lead to greater satisfaction with smaller portions. This habit can be particularly helpful for those struggling with portion control or digestive issues, and it can be practiced at any meal or snack throughout the day.