We’ve all been there, grabbing lunch on the go or rushing through dinner, but whilst our speedy mealtime habits might save us some time, they’re not doing much for our health. From indigestion to bloating and even overeating, here’s why eating too quickly could be bad for your health.
How many times should you chew each mouthful?
When trying to slow down the pace of your eating, actively counting your chews can be a very effective strategy. Aim to chew each mouthful around 30 times; this is especially important when eating foods that can be harder for the digestive system to break down, such as meat, seeds, nuts and raw vegetables.
How long should it take to eat a meal?
It should take around 15 – 20 minutes to finish a medium-sized meal and at least 30 for a main meal. Keep your portion size the same and make it last longer, you might even find that your portion sizes reduce as you recognise feeling fuller after less food.
How about drinking during meals?
It’s best to limit your intake of water while you’re eating because it can dilute your digestive juices and impair digestion. Drink most of your water between meals and just sip on water during if you need to.
Why is eating quickly actually bad for you?
Eating too quickly can be bad for digestion. When you’re eating too fast, you’re not chewing your food properly, so your digestive juices can’t efficiently break it down, often resulting in bloating and excess gas. Too quickly can also lead to overeating. You’ve probably heard that it can take up to 20 minutes for your brain to register that your stomach is full, and the faster you eat, the more likely you are to eat in that 20-minute gap before you feel full.