In our fast paced society, we are often eating on the go, reaching for convenient processed foods, eating in front of the TV or eating at our office desks while working.
Sometimes we skip meals because of our fast-paced and busy lifestyles.
Eating food in a rush, even if it is nutritious food, is not healthy and can over time be detrimental to your health. Recent studies show that eating too fast and not chewing food properly can not only increase your weight but also can predispose you to cardio metabolic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
Japanese cardiologist Takayuki Yamaji conducted a study over 5 years where participants were divided into groups depending on how fast they were eating. The study concluded that subjects who were in the fast eaters group had significantly higher likelihood of developing metabolic symptoms. This can be attributed to a tendency to overeat. Eating fast also contributed to bigger fluctuation of glucose and therefore insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
As it turns out, it takes our brain 20 minutes to realize that our stomach is already full and therefore by eating slower, we will feel full sooner, eat less and this may also aid in weight loss.
There are different ways we can improve our eating habits:
- Schedule a peaceful time in your busy day to sit down and enjoy your meal. Distractions such as watching TV or checking your email while eating are not optimal for proper digestion. Creating a calm environment without distractions will allow for better digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Chew your food. Digestion starts in your mouth. The more we chew our food, the easier it is for our stomach and small intestine to absorb nutients.
- Listen to your body and stop eating when you are full. Eat food that is nutritious. Recognize if you are eating because you are hungry or for emotional reasons.
- Take a pause, give thanks in your mind farmers, truck drivers, and others who may have contributed to bringing the food to your plate. Express your gratitude.
- Pay attention to what you are eating. Eat food in its original form as much as possible, with minimal processing. Consider what is important to you, whether it is buying local produce, buying produce that is in season or buying organic. Choose what is best for you.