Are you a fast-eater? You REALLY need to slow down...

If you are the first person to at the table to finish your meal – you NEED to slow down...

A recent study has determined that eating too fast can be really bad for us. Those who are fast-eaters were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes along with some other serious health problems. If you’re not sure if you’re a fast-eater, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you ever put food into your mouth before you’ve finished chewing the previous bite?

• Do you tend to eat on-the-run, or while doing something else?

If so, you’re at risk. Choking and digestive problems could be an issue – and fast-eaters often struggle with obesity. It takes our body about 20 minutes to register fullness and we’re likely to overeat if we don’t slow down. Pediatritian Jan Chozen Bays, author of “Mindful Eating,” has some tricks to try to slow yourself down: 

• Start with a healthy appetizer before you dive into the entrée.

• Take smaller portions. You can always go back for more.

• Take breaks between bites. Put down the utensils, chew slowly and savor the flavor. Take a deep breath and a sip of your beverage before the next bite.