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Slow Down For Weight Control

Finishing meals in record time may not be a good idea in the long run.

Life lived at a hectic pace not only creates stress that can lead to “stress eating” and heighten the action of normal body chemicals such as cortisol, but eating too fast can contribute to weight gain as well.   Researchers at the University of Rhode Island at Kingston recently involved 86 participants in a diet study, and found that one panel of participants consumed less calories simply because the researchers told them to take their time.  On the other hand, those who were told to eat as quickly as possible (and given a “deadline” of a few minutes) ended up ingesting more calories.  What’s happening is that body signals actually get tripped.  We have a built-in control system that sends satiety signals from the stomach to the brain that help us feel full.  This process takes about 20 minutes.  By eating too quickly, we tend to stock up on calories we don’t really want or need.

What’s even more interesting is the chewing factor.  The university researchers told the control group to chew their food thoroughly, about 15-20 times.  These participants ate much less than the other group who were told to eat fast and chew less.  The trigger is that thorough chewing helps to release about 50% more nutrients in the first minute after the food enters the stomach. As a result, blood flow to the digestive organs is raised nearly instantly, thus increasing metabolism.  This in turn results in a faster onset of feeling full … and staying that way for a longer period of time.

So slow down, take a deep breath and prepare to enjoy each morsel of food that comes to your mouth.  Hodgson Mill brings the most delicious and nutritious foods to you, with unique, distinctive flavors and interesting textures that make each meal an experience -- and that is all the more reason for you to relax and enjoy the bounty of glorious food.


Source:  American Dietetic Association, 2003.

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