We’re Eating Wrong

Most people are eating wrong. 

I don’t mean the wrong foods (although this is often the case, too). 

I mean, people don’t know HOW to eat properly. 

On average, people are chewing their food about 3-4 times before swallowing. 

That means there are LARGE chunks of food making its way down into your stomach. 

Even if you’re eating healthy foods, insufficient chewing isn’t good for your body and causes a whole host of issues.

• Indigestion 

• Nutrient malabsorption – nutrients cannot be fully extracted from larger particles

• Gastrointestinal discomfort – bloating, gas, abdominal pain

• Increased risk of gastrointestinal blockages

• Exacerbation of acid reflux

• Difficulty controlling blood sugar levels

• Dysbiosis – microbial imbalance in the gut (associated with IBS, IBD, obesity, diabetes, and even mental health issues due to the gut-brain axis connection)

When you properly chew your food you’re allowing the digestive enzymes in your saliva to start the digestion process. 

I worked with a client last year on weight loss, and by slowing down her eating and properly chewing her food, she was amazed to discover that her chronic bloating and gas had completely resolved itself.

Whether you’re at work, home, or out and about, bloating, abdominal pain, and gas are so uncomfortable (and potentially awkward 😬). 

It’s easy to eat fast when we’re distracted, but we really need to be more present while we’re eating. 

Set your fork down in between bites. This simple act allows you to focus on chewing and will help you slow down. 

If your schedule permits, set a timer for 20 minutes and make it a point to not be finished eating until the timer goes off.

Take a deep breath after swallowing your food. Oxygen is a part of digestion, too! 

During cellular respiration, cells use oxygen to help convert glucose into energy, producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. 

The added bonus of slowing down your eating and chewing properly is that you will have a better feel for when you’re getting full. 

When we’re eating too fast we don’t typically feel full until we’re FULL. 🫣

Slowing down allows us to feel the first pangs of fullness, which is an indicator to wrap things up. Whatever’s left on the plate can potentially be lunch for tomorrow. 

The goal is satiation, not groaning on the couch with your pants button undone. 

Try it today on your lunch break, and again at dinner. I promise it will help.