ANGIE HERE-
Gary and I have been discussing this issue for the past few days (usually after we have wolfed down our dinner) and he thought it would be a good topic to bring up here.
We so often eat mindlessly, stuffing food in our mouths while working, driving, at the computer, in front of the TV...
I was shocked to learn that the average American spends 27 minutes a day eating his/her meals.
We need to slow down and fully experience all the elements of our food. We can slow down our eating by changing the way we chew our food.
Here are some tips I received from a nutritionist:
1. Place a bite of food in your mouth
2. Put your utensil down
3. Place your hands together while chewing
4. Begin chewing and deep breathing (chew at least 20-40 times before you swallow)
5. Concentrate on what you're doing
I tried this tonight at a restaurant. It wasn't easy to slow down and really enjoy my food. I had to make a conscienous effort to chew my food and think about it before swallowing. I ended up eating half my meal and taking the rest home.