When we eat alone, some of us are guilty of rushing through our meal. We tend to chew automatically and swallow without really tasting our food or digesting it properly. This may lead to accidents such as choking or getting fish bones stuck in our throats. Sometimes, our minds may wander off to some problems we are eager to solve, or to some errands or tasks we wish to undertake. When we do so, we may not become conscious of our hunger being satisfied. The result is that we may run the risk of overeating.
They say that it takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to send signals to the brain that it is full. If we eat in a hurry, we may keep stuffing our stomach without realizing that we have had our fill. Overeating can lead to indigestion, heartburn, stomachache, bloating and other discomforts. Maybe we must mention here also that overeating will likely give us additional unwanted pounds.
One way to control eating is to get small portions for a start; you can always go back for second or third helpings of the dishes that appealed to you. This system should be practiced in a restaurant featuring “all you can eat” offers for, say, $10 provided you do not leave any morsels on your plate; otherwise (if you cannot finish your food) you are charged something like $14 or more. Why spend the extra $4 for food that you do not consume and therefore do not enjoy?
In order to avoid overeating, a sensible advice is to leave the table as soon as you are done with your meal. This way, you will not be tempted to continue nibbling at something. It is also wise to take a walk, which will give you the opportunity to reflect on the conversations and the company you just had.
We must resist the temptation of moving to a more comfortable chair after eating, rubbing our tummies with delight, and falling asleep. A healthier option is to pace the floor for about 10 to 15 minutes to stimulate digestion. If the place is too small for walking or pacing, at least remain standing for the same length of time, so that the food will continue to travel downward, and not stay in your middle.
To me, an ideal eating atmosphere is one where I share food with friends and loved ones, where light and pleasant conversation goes on, and where soft, relaxing music is played in the background. No matter how simple the food may be, it leaves me sufficiently satisfied.
