Chew on this

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keB2LH-KSAE]
Don’t eat so fast! Do you have a train to catch? Chew your food! How many times did you hear something like this as a kid (and now a an adult) sitting at the dinner table painfully getting through a family meal as fast as possible so you could get outside and play or plop down in front of the TV to catch the last quarter of the game.

Done reflecting??? Let’s move on to the punch line…

Well folks, I’m afraid to break it to you BUT your parents were giving you valuable disease fighting advice for free!!! (aka they were RIGHT)

I know what you’re thinking…  “I was starving and trying to quench my hunger” or “I was in a rush and didn’t want to skip a meal all together”

Regardless of the reason it doesn’t change the fact that it’s important to chew your food thoroughly.

Here’s why:

1. Digestion is aided with the first chew.  Chewing tells your gut to get the juices flowing because food is on its way.
2. Optimal Digestion. Proper chewing breaks down the food in the mouth so the gut can easily absorb nutrients without having to work overtime.
3. Prevents Gas.  Swallowing food chunks that are too big can cause bacterial overgrowth and gas. If you have suffered from this or been around someone who has then you know it’s not pleasant.
4. Prevents Overeating (aka weight gain).  Chewing more means eating slower and giving the body ample time to release and receive the proper signals related to hunger.
5. Tastes better. Taking the time to chew gives you time to taste what you are eating.
6. Stronger jawline. If all of the above reasons are not compelling enough then maybe a more defined jawline will nudge you to chew more. Chewing works out the masseter muscles.

Chew on it. Chew your food at least 20- 30 times until your food is emulsified and you can no longer identify the texture of what you are eating.

As always don’t take my word for it. Try it out and post your findings to comments….

n!

Ritu Riyat

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Ritu Riyat, MPH

Ritu Riyat is an applied yoga and mindfulness expert. She equips her clients with tools to reconnect with their bodies, eliminate stress, and make more informed decisions about their health and well being.

Latest posts by Ritu Riyat, MPH (see all)

• Go slowly - May 19, 2014
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