It’s one of the most basic human behaviors. Sometimes you even do it without realizing it. But if you give it a little more focus, it can actually help you lose weight. Hence the title of this blog… Masticate To Lose Weight!
Come on people. Don’t be gross! Masticate… as in, an inappropriate-looking word for chew. Pay attention to your chewing and you can literally shrink your waistline.
That’s what a new study found, as reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. It’s literally this simple, according to what researchers found: Chew your food 40 times, instead of the average 15. If you do, you’ll eat 12% fewer calories.
It has to do with the physiological reaction your body has to the act of chewing. More chewing boosts levels of a hormone that curbs your appetite.
Here’s what I REALLY love about this finding. It’s free and easy advice. You don’t have to buy anything. You don’t have to quit eating an entire food group. This isn’t an exclusive TV offer you must take advantage of in the next 30 minutes! Just sloooowwwww doooooowwwwwn when you eat.
And there are actually some other real benefits to more chewing… you know, beyond not choking.
According to the folks at “GetYouInShape.Com,” when you don’t take your time chewing, your body doesn’t get the full spectrum of vitamins and nutrients from what you’re eating. AND speedy un-chewed mouthfuls can also lead to reflux, flatulence and indigestion. Ew! The site advises that “Chewing each bit thoroughly allows less air to enter in, which decreases gas and burping.”
Wow! So, there are many reasons to slow down at your next meal. Get your chew on. Masticate. Whatever you want to call it. Just do it more.
