Slow Eating vs Fast Eating: Which One Is Healthier for Your Body?

Food consumption is a daily activity that most individuals rarely consider how quickly they perform it. In this age where everyone seems to be living at a very fast pace, most people tend to consume their food rapidly because of the pressures of work, time management, or simply out of habit. However, most people don’t know that the rate of consumption may impact the digestive process, weight, blood sugar level, and mood.

• Poor digestion - Eating at a fast pace leads to food being insufficiently masticated and puts a greater strain on the digestive system.
• Overeating – The sensation of satiety is delayed for about 20 minutes after eating. Fast eaters often intake additional calories without feeling satiated.
• Weight gain – Several researches show the connection between quick eating and an increased probability of gaining weight and being overweight.
• Blood sugar spike – Fast eating results in the rapid spike of glucose level in the blood which in turn increases the chances of developing insulin resistance and diabetes type 2.
• Digestive disorders – Bloated stomach and indigestion are common among those who eat too quickly.

• Improved Digestion – Properly chewing food will make the digestion process much easier.
• Increased Nutrient Uptake – When you eat slowly, your body is able to fully extract all the required nutrients from the food.
• Healthy Weight Control – Due to the fact that the brain has enough time to perceive the feeling of fullness, people who eat slowly generally have healthy weight levels.
• Stabilization of Blood Glucose Level – Slow eating prevents any fluctuations in blood glucose level.
• Improved Satisfaction Levels – Slow eating is associated with increased satisfaction.

Fast eating puts the body into a reactionary mode where the stomach swells rapidly, the production of digestive enzymes cannot cope with the situation, and the brain fails to sense that it is full. Slow eating, in contrast, enables the nervous system to relax, triggers appropriate digestion, and allows the brain to send messages of satisfaction, which makes one eat adequately.

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1. What is the best length of time for a healthy meal?

According to experts, it takes at least 20 minutes to eat a meal. This allows your body enough time to communicate the fullness message to your brain.

2. Is it better to eat slowly to aid digestion?

Yes. Slowly eating and chewing food well helps the digestion and can also prevent bloating, indigestion and discomfort after eating.

3. What are the problems with eating too quickly?

Rushing through meals can lead to over eating, indigestion, heartburn, gas and weight gain in the long term.

4. What can I do to be able to eat more slowly?

Use a fork or spoon but not too big a bite; chew food well between bites, do not eat while watching TV or talking on the phone, do not rush or distract yourself by doing too many other activities at the same time – try to enjoy the taste and texture of food.