The Quietly Radical Act of Eating Slowly (And Stopping at 80%)
Let’s be honest: "Eat slowly" sounds like something your sensible aunt would say while you’re eye-rollingly shovelling cereal. But stick with me because syncing your brain and stomach isn’t fluffy mindfulness talk. It’s biology.
Why Your Brain and Stomach Need a Meeting
Your stomach takes a solid 20 minutes to signal your brain it’s full. If you’re racing through meals like it’s a competitive sport? You’ll hit "regrettably stuffed" before your brain even registers "comfortably satisfied". Eating slowly isn’t a luxury—it’s logistics.
The 80% Sweet Spot (Where "Full" Feels Light)
Stop at satisfied, not stuffed. Not "I need a nap," not "I could force down more." Just: "That’s enough, thanks."
No performative plate-clearing.
No guilt.
Just tuning in.
How to Make It Stick
1. Sit. At. A. Table. No screens. No dashboard dining. If you wouldn’t serve it to a guest, don’t eat it scrolling Instagram.
2. Taste your food. Actually notice textures, flavours, whether it’s salmon or beans on toast.
3. Pause between bites. (Yes, even with a fork. No one’s timing you.)
Why Speed-Eating Works Against You (Unless You’re Bulking)
If you’re trying to gain muscle? Eat efficiently. For everyone else? Wolfing food means:
- Accidentally overeating (that sluggish 3 p.m. feeling)
- Digestive chaos (bloat, heartburn)
- Missing the point: food’s fuel and enjoyment, not a task to rush
The Takeaway
This isn’t about rigid rules. It’s about feeling energised, not comatose, after meals. Try it:
Slow down.
Stop at 80%.
Notice when you actually taste your biscuit instead of stress-eating it over the sink.
Progress > perfection. Even at dinner
Pete,
Mountain High Fitness. By weirdos for weirdos.
(P.S. Wilbur inhaled his dinner in 4.2 seconds today. We’re all learning.)