Why Taking Longer at the Table is Good for Your Health

Many of us assume that "grabbing a quick bit" is actually a healthy way to minimize how much food we consume and "keep moving." By staying busy and active, we also assume that we will keep our metabolism up and eat less. The truth is, however, that when we eat quickly, put off eating until we are very hungry and spend less time over our meals, we are actually making unhealthy eating choices. Lingering over social meals and taking your time usually means you eat less and consume healthier food.

Think of two different meals that you have eaten recently-one where you grabbed something to eat on the run when you finally realized you were so hungry you couldn't put it off any longer; and another where you sat down with family and/or friends and took your time consuming a meal. What did you eat? If you grabbed fast food and you were starving, chances are, you ate far more calories, fat and other "not-so-good" food choices than you should have for optimum health. You might have ordered larger portions because you were so hungry and you might have eaten fast, gulping the food. You may even have felt unsatisfied after you ate and wanted to eat more.

When you think of lingering over a socially rewarding meal-whether it was cooked t home or at a restaurant, think of what you ate-did you have a salad course? Were the nutrients distributed in healthier way amongst the food choices? You might even have eaten far less because you were visiting and interacting and not so focused on the process of eating.

Taking time for longer meals-whether you share them with others or force yourself to sit down and savor different food choices and courses-generally means healthier eating habits. The amount of time you allow to eat a meal does NOT necessarily mean that you are eating more food, but in many cases, it means just the opposite. You are eating less and eating healthier foods, as well as giving your body the chance to process and digest food in a less stressed way.