Some fruits, like watermelon, may only take 4-5 chews before it’s broken down enough to be easily digested. Avoid taking 1-2 bites and then swallowing your food or it won’t be properly digested, and you can experience gas, bloating, and intestinal discomfort.
Take your time and count each of your chews to help slow yourself down and chew your food properly. [3] X Research source
Eating more slowly also gives your stomach time to signal to your brain that you’re full, which will help you avoid overeating.
Your molars are designed to help you chew up tougher foods, so use them!
Be careful not to bite your tongue!
Some foods will require more chewing than others, so make sure your food is smooth and liquid before you swallow.
Taking smaller bites allows you to really enjoy and savor each bite and will prevent you from overeating.
Drinking while you eat will dilute the acid in your stomach and flush the food through before it’s had a chance to be properly digested, which can cause gas, bloating, and intestinal discomfort. You won’t absorb all of your food’s nutrients if it’s flushed through your digestive system by liquids that you consume while you eat.
Taking your time as you chew your food will also help reduce the amount of air that you swallow.
Eating on the go can also cause you to eat faster, which means you’re more likely to not chew your food properly and overeat.
Setting your fork or spoon down after each bite is an easy way to force yourself to slow down while you eat.
