The Slow Eating Movement

We have a tendency to gobble our meals. There's not time to really savor our food, hence we tend to eat more of it, to make up for the quick rush of taste. A much better way is eating slower. Relax and enjoy what;s on our forks and spoons. Surprisingly enough it will lead to less eating and less calories.

The "slow eating movement" was today's lead story in The New York Times Dining section. The piece , written by regular Jeff Gordinier, explains why we should relish our food. The longer we take to eat, the less we will have to eat. It's just a matter of stop the gobbling and wolfing and enjoy every savory morsel. This is what Buddhist monks and nuns do. There is even a reminder chime to let them know it's time to stop. Chewing literally comes to a standstill. Flavors are tasted - really tasted for their components of salty and sweet, sour and hot and then silence ensues. This also stops the eater from wanting more. It  creates a more calming experience.

Anyone can recreate this atmosphere at home or even in their favorite fast food joint. First click off the TV and any other electronic device. Nowadays we tend to bring our I Phones to the table .Don't. Indulge in conversation with the people around you. If you're with family, consider silence. Concentrate on the meal and its' components. Another good idea is chew twenty-five to thirty times. We often swallow after only five or six times and then move on to the next bite.Again, don't. Chew it slowly, appreciate the time and effort that went into the meal as well as the primary and secondary flavors.. Also make up a pretty table. Use flowers and candles as calming influences when you dine , especially around supper time.

We tend to eat and run way too often these days. It's time we break this horrible habit and get back to appreciating our meals. Eat slow. Take time to enjoy good food.