Does How Fast You Eat Matter?

In our busy 24/7 society, the more we accomplish the better. Even more praiseworthy is the ability to do more quickly.

How many times do people use the expression, "I am just going to grab a quick bite." After all, taking time to eat seems a little self indulgent. Most people pick up your breakfast and lunch at the drive through and eat it fast in the car or on the train, trying to finish before the next task. This is considered efficiency and discipline.

Ayurveda teaches that one should eat meals slowly, taking time to chew and enjoy the meal. Meals should be eaten in a quiet, pleasant atmosphere as this promotes good digestion. When one digests food well, nutrients are absorbed and waste is eliminated. Poor digestion allows toxins (ama) to build up which causes illness and weight gain.

While it would seem that calories in is what causes weight gain, that is only part of the story. Digestion is an important body process that is essential for good health. Young people can get away with poor digestive habits for a awhile. Then as a person ages, poor health habits add up and cause illness and uncomfortable symptoms in the body. First, poor digestion manifests as gas, bloating, acid reflux, constipation or food sensitivities. Next real illness sets in causing other diseases like metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and more.

A recent scientific study has found continuing the habit of fast eating was connected with greater weight gain, higher blood sugar, higher levels of low-density lipoprotein ('bad' cholesterol) and a larger waistline. The participants in the study were tracked over five years and those with fast eating habit were at a much higher risk for developing the listed problems or had begun experiencing them.

Eating fast is only a short cut to poor health and weight gain. Yes, how fast you eat does matter.

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa