Thursday, March 29, 2012

the eating slowly experiment: fork down method (results)

Another three weeks have elapsed during which time I have been using the 'fork down method', the second technique in the eating slowly experiment


Results. Placing down your eating utensil between bites turns out to be a great way to force a slower eating experience. Although at first I felt a bit awkward and unnatural using this method, eventually I came to appreciate the between-bite pause as a moment to really enjoy the food and flavors that I was consuming.


I'm going to give it to you straight - I wasn't always perfect at this method. Sometimes I forgot and sometimes I went a few bites before placing my fork down. There were a few times when I was so ravenous at meal time that I put my fork down for a microsecond between bites - I'm pretty sure this doesn't count. But, overall, this method was easy to do and successful at creating a slower eating experience.

Not only did this method force me to eat more slowly, it also made eating enjoyable. There is something really powerful and enlightening about experiencing a meal slowly and really focusing on what you putting in your body.


Based on my readers' feedback, those that already make habit of pausing between bites raved about this technique for its ability to slow you down and really allow you to savor each bite. They were right. Personally, I really want to work at making this technique second nature in my daily life. Savor the flavor, folks. Savor the flavor.


Did any of you try this method along with me or is this something you do already? If so, please comment on this post and/or e-mail me (mylessseriouslife@gmail.com) with your feedback. Look for an introduction post for eating slowly method three next week!

16 comments:

  1. Funny enough i always eat slowly when im eating out or with friends when i am ALWAYS scarfing down my meal in a nanosecond when im alone at home!!! Grrr i guess i neeed to work on this!

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    1. yeah, that is my problem too usually. it is hard, but working on it for sure!

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  2. Wow, it's already been three weeks? I've definitely being doing it with you (although I have to admit, I haven't done it all the time) and I LOVE the effects of this one! I have to chew, savor and enjoy rather than just SCARF my food down, so it tastes better AND I can tell more easily when I'm full. Great method!

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    1. i know...3 weeks goes by too quickly. this method is fantastic, i agree!

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  3. While I haven't been doing the challenge along with you, I have been making an effort to eat slower. I live alone, and I've been catching up on reading blogs at the dining room table during suppertime (no need to be polite!). So I usually grab a mouthful, and then chew while I read and comment. I end up eating waaay slower and I get my daily blog fix in too :)

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    1. that is how i eat my breakfast and i eat it sooo slowly it is great! not a bad method especially for us single gals. ;)

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  4. I've been working on the "play video games while eating" technique. While I scarf a few bites at a time, I only eat during loading screens so it still paces me out a bit, haha. #geekEating

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    1. hahaha. interesting method fincher. :)

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  5. I intended to do this with you but completely forgot. I definitely want to give it a try though after your success!

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    1. there is still time! and it really does work so i hope you do give it a try!

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  6. Interesting. I do this when I'm out to eat, but when I'm home...not so much!

    Jen@FoodFamilyFitness

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    1. it is hard to do at home especially if you are in a hurry.

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  7. Have you tried the iPhone app? http://www.EatChewRest.com

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    1. no, what? this sounds perfect. one problem - i don't have a smart phone. crap.

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  8. I am really glad you liked it and think it worked! This seems like it might be a little work but in the long work better than the others!

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  9. I am definitely going to try this, as I have an awful problem with eating to fast, which causes my stomach to produce to much acid and gives me heartburn symptoms. not fun.

    thank you for this.

    Jess x

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