Chew your slim
In five bites finish that bowl oatmeal and then wash it down with that green smoothie you just whipped up, because: time pressure. But anything is better than that still warm croissant and a cappuccino at the station. You think you're being healthy, but unfortunately, my friend. There's more to it than just the contents of your bowl or plate. And the chance is very high that you're not even thinking about it. For many people, eating a meal is something you do quickly in between and chewing is more of a reflex than anything else. Without thinking, you pop that cookie in your mouth, chew three times, and swallow it. Especially if you're eating while doing three other things at the same time. And yet, it's so important that you chew well. I give you ten reasons why you should be a bit more mindful about what you put in your mouth from now on.
1. Stay on weight
When you chew longer, you're engaged with your meal for a longer time. Quite logical. Our brains don't get enough time to produce histamine, a satiety hormone that is released 15 to 20 minutes after the first bite, when we don't chew enough. This makes us unnecessarily hungry sooner and we eat more than we need. Chewing your way to slimness, how simple can life be?
2. More nutrients and energy
Digesting your food requires a lot of energy from your body, especially if the food is not chewed enough. Smaller pieces of food are easier to digest and make it easier to absorb the nutrients contained within.
3. Better for your teeth
The bones that support your teeth are trained to stay strong through chewing. And with those two movements, that's never going to happen, right, friend? Think of it as a free workout, ha.
4. Saliva
Not only your teeth, but also the saliva released during chewing is quite important. It helps you digest food, works against bacteria, and reduces your chances of cavities. Your saliva contains enzymes that aid in the digestion of your food. The more time you give these enzymes, the happier your stomach will be. Additionally, the enzymes help with the breakdown of starch and the digestion of fats. If you don't chew well, the chance of bloating is high and you can expect quite a bit of gas when you leave the table.
5. Fewer bacteria in your intestines
Just a bit about those bacteria. Sounds gross, but these little creatures also play an important role in your intestines. If you chew that piece of meat three times, those large pieces of food will also enter your intestines so large that those bacteria have to work very hard to break down all the nutrients. With all the consequences that come with it. Again, that gas, bloating, diarrhea, stomach pain, etc.
6. Being aware of flavors
When you gulp everything down quickly, you only taste half of your meal compared to when you chew well. Such a shame. Take the time to really absorb the flavors of your food and consciously enjoy what you eat.
Now we know why we should chew on that apple a bit more often, but how do you do that?
- Take smaller bites.
- Turn off the TV, iPad, and radio and focus on your food instead of doing ten things at once.
- Chew until your food feels liquid in your mouth.
- Take your next bite only after your previous one is fully chewed and swallowed.
- Drink only after you have swallowed a bite instead of washing it down.
