AMERICANS ARE NOTORIOUS for not only eating fast food but eating it fast. But, the fact is, gorging and gulping your food is both unhealthy and ultimately less enjoyable than having a calm sit down meal.
First things first, never eat in your car. Eating while driving is still rated one of the top driving hazards -it is simply not safe. Eating on the go inhibits your satiety signals. It takes 20 minutes for your tummy to realize its full. If you gore your food in under 5 minutes, chances are you will be looking for more food (calories) to fill your tank.
TRY THIS MINDFUL EATING EXERCISE: Have a sit down meal and try serving yourself a smaller portion than you normally would. Before you dive in, take time to smell your food. Pause, look at each item on your plate; let the saliva begin to accumulate in your mouth even before the fork touches your tongue. Take your first bite, chew the food completely. When you think you have chewed enough, continue chewing. Try to liquefy the food in your mouth as though your teeth were a high grade blender; then swallow. Practice putting your fork down between bites. Fight the urge to talk on your phone or text while eating. Savor each and every bite; relax and enjoy the complete experience.