Chewing food

Picola1984 · February 2012

In this months health and fitness magazine there's a supplement on detoxing. It suggests to chew soft food approximately 20 times and hard foods 40 times before swallowing.

I've read this before, maybe not with precise figures, but that you feel fuller and less inclined to overeat. I would guess it would lessen bloating too

Do you consciously count or aware of how long you chew for?

I must admit I'm a greedy eater so I'm trying to make the eating last longer as a test.

Sl1ghtly · February 2012

Seems oddly obsessive. I have other things to do.

hdlb123 · February 2012

Umm, nope, I have never counted how many times I chew. I do know that if I have something that for some reason has to be chewed quite a few times, I almost always end up gagging. Food needs to go into my mouth and down my throat as quickly as possible.

Sidesteal · February 2012

Seems oddly obsessive. I have other things to do.

I agree with this and I think it's a valuable observation.

runnercheryl · February 2012

I wouldn't do it. To me, the flavour of food comes from eating it fairly quickly. I know people say eating slower allows you to 'savour' your food, but I think having a flavour in your mouth for more than a few seconds makes it taste much worse.
That's also why I can never understand people who (like my fiance and my brother) eat each different part of their meal separately. I need a mix of flavours - plenty to experience, not one flavour stuck around for a minute or two.
Oh, and the texture. I need varied texture, not chewed-up mush.

hacketttrails2000 · February 2012

I started seeing a Bariatric Dr. that has said the same thing. They didnt get specific as to how many times to chew. But was told that you should chew your food until its a paste like consistancy. This allows for longer digestion and for you tummy to stay fuller longer. They also suggested not drinking right after you eat. Which will "wash" the food through quicker and you will be hungry quicker

wilkyway · February 2012

I have been doing some research on this and have actually tried to observe what differences it makes. I used to be a fast eater, too fast if you ask me. When I first started paying more attention to my eating habbits, this was one thing I did change. I gave it my best to eat slower, so, chew well more (didn't count though). I did this for a while conciously. Until it became a new habbit. now I'm known to be a slow eater, I have got the impression I can enjoy a meal much longer, feel full sooner and over all think it's a better way for me to eat :-)
I also believe that eating slow paced and chewing well aids digestion. I don't feel as stuffed and much 'lighter' even after a large meal.
:flowerforyou:

livinginwoods · February 2012

I try to eat slower but I don't count. I just do.

Amazon_Who · February 2012

I am not obsessive about it, but I will do it on occasion when I notice I am eating too fast to slow down the pace.

Picola1984 · February 2012

Some nice responses here thanks

I know it does sound pretty OCD, but I thought others would have some info on the better digestion aspect of it

Deffo eating a lot slower myself now, I normally scoff my dinner and is gone too quick

I like to actually 'register' it now

simplyblessed5 · February 2012

I actually agree with this. It takes your brain 20 minutes to realize your stomach is full. The slower you eat, the more time you take to actually taste and savor your food, the less you will actually eat.

The whole mastication process of chewing has a purpose. The enzymes in your saliva actually begin the break down of the food to begin the process of digestion. If you rush past that phase, it only makes it harder on your digestive system.

So chew slowly. Enjoy your food.

Chewing food

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