Happily Chewing... courtesy of Ben_Cooper/flickr
Turns out you’re not suppose to just gulp down your food. You’re suppose chew with your mouth closed, not bite off more than you can chew and keep all electrical cords away from your mouth while you chew. Food and Gum, that’s all we’re suppose to be chewing. More than a choking hazard from the not chewing there are important reasons to chew your food well.
Chew With Your Mouth Closed courtesy of pink_fish13/flickr
When you chew your food, your sending all sorts of signals to different parts of your digestive system. Plus, when food is well pulverized its easier for your stomach to digest the nutrients in the food you ate. Because your saliva coats the food better and the enzymes in your mouth help break it down. How much chewing is the right amount then? It varies, depends on the person..doesn’t it always? Typically between 25-50 times and there is even a guideline to keep in mind. If you can feel the difference between the olive and the sausage on that pizza by texture, then keep chewing. Just by the very nature of chewing your food more thoroughly you’ll slow down and eat less, and your brain will have a chance to catch the “I’m full” signal that takes a few minutes to get. This week let’s all make a conscience effort to remember to chew.
Chew Restaurant Logo
There is even a chew (that sounds like a sneeze hehe – a chew) even a Chew restaurant, its in Jacksonville, FL and the pictures look good. I wonder if its a good place to eat the next time I’m in Jacksonville, anybody try it?
© Lyndi Lytle 2009
