Ever noticed how people in ‘diet mode’ spend so much time thinking about food, talking about food but when they actually get to eat it they just wolf it down – hardly chewing it and just swallowing quickly. If I’m describing YOU right now, it’s time to change your ways girl. And here’s why…
A Chinese study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that people who only chew a few times are more likely to be obese than people who chew a lot…
When you chew for longer you eat less: the study participants who chewed each bite 40 times ate 12% less calories than people who only chewed 15 times!
Chewing more, chewing for longer, is a lifestyle change that could help you lose weight and keep it off.
Here are some hints & tips to help you chew for longer:
1) Don’t let yourself be distracted when you eat (no eating while driving or doing anything else… So no reading, no TV and even cut down on all the chatting). Really focus on the food… Savor each bite. Eat mindfully and pay attention to the taste, the texture, the smell, the appearance of the food. Don’t lose yourself in a food frenzy haze. Really notice what you’re eating.
2) If you can’t keep up with counting your actual chews (who can??!), then chew to a particular consistency e.g. til your food is the consistency of a smoothie.
3) to force themselves to focus on the food some people even eat with their left hand or eat with chopsticks!
Try chewing more and let me know how you get on.