The Science behind Eatiful: Why Slow Eating Works for Weight Loss
It might sound too good to be true: eat slowly and lose weight. But the reality is eating slowly is backed by science, and forms the cornerstone of maintaining a healthy weight. At Eatiful, we help individuals slow down their eating habits, savour their food, and develop a healthier relationship with eating, leading to weight loss over time.
Founder Katie Lips' personal 85 pound weight loss experience with slow eating is the driving force behind Eatiful's mission. Witnessing the effectiveness of slow eating firsthand, Katie established Eatiful to share this simple yet impactful approach to eating well and achieving sustainable weight loss. But its’ not just Katie who’s witnessed the dramatic effect of slow eating on weight.
Scientific studies validate the effectiveness of slow eating in reducing food intake. Not only have we observed this phenomenon at Eatiful, but third-party research also confirms the correlation between eating speed and food consumption. Studies, such a retrospective study in Japan in 2011 and research on US firefighters between 1984 and 1991, demonstrate that fast eaters tend to gain more weight compared to slow eaters.
Moreover, slow eaters tend to consume less food and feel fuller than their fast-eating counterparts. Research undertaken by the University of Rhode Island showed participants who ate slowly consumed fewer calories and reported higher levels of satiety compared to those who ate quickly.
Additionally, eating slowly has been linked to a lower risk of developing metabolic syndrome, (metabolic abnormalities associated with various health conditions including obesity and high blood pressure). Epidemiological data and systematic reviews suggest that fast eating contributes to metabolic disorders, highlighting the importance of adopting a slower eating pace for overall health.
Furthermore, slow eating aids in better digestion and prevents unwanted side effects such as bloating, gas, and acid reflux. By chewing food thoroughly and allowing the stomach time to digest, individuals can minimise digestive discomfort and maximise nutrient absorption.
Slow eating offers a multitude of benefits, including better digestion, increased satiety, reduced food intake, weight management, and a lower risk of metabolic syndrome. Embracing a slower approach to eating can lead to significant improvements in overall health and well-being.