Does Eating Slower Help You Lose Weight?
When you’re chowing down on your favorite food, the last thing on your mind is how many calories you’re consuming.
But the speed at which you eat can actually have a big impact on your waistline.
Studies have shown that people who eat quickly are more likely to be overweight than those who take their time.
Here’s the deal…
Weight loss is always a matter of your calorie balance- calories in vs. calories out.
In order to lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume.
However, if you consume more calories than you need, your body will store the excess as fat.
In order to lose this stored fat, you need to create a calorie deficit by burning more calories than you consume.
Over time, this deficit will result in weight loss.
So, how does your eating speed play into this equation?
Let’s start here…
Does eating slow make you lose weight?
There are a couple of weight loss benefits of eating slower.
First, when you eat slower, you give your body time to register that it is full.
This means that you are more likely to stop eating before you’ve eaten too much.
Second, when you eat slower, you are more likely to enjoy your food and eat healthier foods.
This is because you have time to taste your food, savor the flavors, and feel satisfied with what you’re eating.
How to eat slower and enjoy your food more
There are a few different methods that you can use to help you eat slower.
One method is to put your utensil down in between bites.
This will help you to focus on your food and not race through your meal.
Another method is to chew your food more thoroughly.
This will help you to savor the flavors and give your body time to register that it is full.
You can also try using a smaller plate.
Using smaller plates helps you eat less food overall and prevent you from overeating.
Finally, try to avoid distractions while you are eating.
This will help you focus on your food and not eat mindlessly.
Distractions can include television, reading, or working on a computer.
If you find that you are struggling to eat slower, talk to your doctor or a Registered Dietitian for help.