Today when I was watching Shiloh eat her breakfast, she was gobbling it down so fast and I thought that eating quickly may work for dogs but it sure doesn’t work for us.
I wanted to ask you…
Do you consider yourself a fast eater?
Ok, raise your hands; I know you’re out there! When I ask audiences this question, I would say about 75%, say “yes,” most of the time, I am a fast eater. I tend to be a fast eater at times too.
There is a whole host of problems that happen when we eat too fast. Our bodies actually digest and processes food most optimally in a relaxation state, not a stress state, and if we eat too fast the body perceives that as a stressor. You could be eating the healthiest food in the world, but if you are eating it under stress, you will not be taking in the nutrients and metabolizing that food as efficiently as you could.
In this country the number one, over-the-counter selling category of medicine are digestive aids, not painkillers! I found that statistic fascinating, when I heard it for the first time. We are in a lot of digestive distress, which is due more to how fast we are eating, not necessarily what we are eating. What we eat plays a part, but it’s not the whole story.
If you find yourself in digestive distress and experience symptoms such as, acid reflux, bloating or a heavy feeling after eating, take a serious look at how fast you are eating. Consider slowing down a bit.
I know what you are thinking, “I barely have a enough time get a meal in, how can I slow down?” Taking a few extra minutes to slow down will allow the body to accept the food and metabolize the food more healthfully and eliminate some of those digestive problems you may be having.
Slowing down can look like, putting your fork down between bites, taking a few deep breaths between bites and chewing your food more times before swallowing. The last step is extremely important because carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth. Saliva has an enzyme called amylase, which chemically breaks down the carbohydrates. If you are swallowing too quickly this digestion step is interrupted. Also, certain fats are broken down in the mouth by an enzyme called lingual lipase and the act of chewing mechanically breaks down the carbohydrates, proteins and fats preparing them to enter the digestive tract, making the rest of digestion easier.
Eating too quickly also doesn’t give the body a chance to signal that you are full, which can lead to overeating. Has that ever happen you? I may have done that a time or two. 🙂
As you can see, slowing down at mealtime can have a major impact on digestion, metabolism, weight and portion control. I have actually had clients that didn’t change anything they were eating, but just added some spaciousness and slowed down the eating process and within a short amount of time their digestive ailments disappeared and they even experienced some weight loss. Adding more time, even a little, empowered them to eat less and make more supportive choices. They also became better listeners of what the body needs and what food choices work best for their energy levels.
If you feel that you are eating too quickly or feel some digestive distress, start by slowing down and being more present with your food. That will make a huge difference with how you feel and how your body will benefit from your nutrition.
I also have a free report on my website, www.Leannedisanto.com, entitled, “3 Simple Things YOU can do to Increase Your Metabolism…And It’s Not What YOU Think!” Check it out for more information.
Remember eating fast may work for dogs, but not so much for humans!!
Great video