Hi there! 10 weeks since my car accident, and I’m slowly but surely feeling like my old self again. Just with a stiff neck, and a little more anxiety in vehicles generally, especially going round corners.
But I’m getting some style of healing treatment every week (Osteo/physio/Kinesiology/Cranio-Sacral/massage), so I’m blessed to be recovering my physicality.
I had a very quiet New Year’s Eve, as it was only 3 weeks since the crash then, and wondered about my new resolutions? To be honest, I just wanted to feel well again, without a permanent headache, and the disconcerting sense of a hand gripping my throat…
So no one was more surprised than me when on New Year’s Day I suddenly announced I was going to eat more mindfully.
Specifically: to count my chews, and do at least 25-30 per mouthful.
First I conducted controlled research on how many times I usually masticate my food: 5 to 10 chews before I swallow. How many do you do?
Then I practiced how many I could get comfortable with, which seemed to be 25-30. Which is interesting, because multiple sources of dietary information online recommended chewing approx 30 times before swallowing, once the food has become almost liquid in your mouth.
Surprisingly, nowadays it can take me 40 chews to make a raw apple feel ready to swallow. My morning breakfast of avocado and sauerkraut on toast is at least 25-35. A handful of nuts can be 40-50.
It’s fascinating!
I’ve always been a fast eater, mainly because I just love food and fresh flavours so much. Slowing down, and being truly aware of my eating process as it’s happening is bringing me unexpected joy.
It’s truly Mindfulness in Action.
I so suggest you try it today, then let me know how many times you usually chew, vs your count when you slow down and chew.
I’ve noticed I want to focus more on what I’m tasting, and not be juggling a phone call or a series of emails; there is something so peaceful about simply eating.
And the rising numbers feel almost like a mantra.
I’ve been doing it since Jan 1st, and I don’t know if it’s a coincidence or not, but I’ve been feeling very calm, and definitely eating a bit less. In these days of such global inequalities and pandemic stress, it feels like the least I can do is be mindful and grateful for every meal I am blessed to have and share.
So that’s my unforeseen update. I thoroughly recommend chewing slowly. Notably, everyone I’ve mentioned it to has been intrigued, and given it a go.
Now we’re REALLY talking about the Slow Food Movement!
Please try it, even if it’s just a cookie, and comment about your experience 🙂
In gratitude for my tastebuds, G xO
So glad to hear you are recovery well my friend! 💛
I’ve tried this counted chewing before but never stuck with it haha its a texture thing for me, I can’t keep it up
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Now that’s interesting T- I wonder why? And I wonder if anyone else has that reaction? Thanks for letting me know 🥰
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I don’t like the sensation of things turning into soggy/mushy things in my mouth lol like cereal. I can’t eat it slowly cos I need it to be crunchy. Not the end of sogginess. Eeecccckkkk
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Hahahaha
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Good advice especially for people who live alone. It is possible to do a Heimlich maneuver on yourself but it’s better to avoid having to.
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Yes indeed. Good point. Thanks for reading & commenting 😎 G
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I really do need to eat more slowly. It’s better on every level
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So much better. I love it 🥰
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Ha ha I’ve always eaten slowly. I remember in middle school, a classmate at my cafeteria table asked if I count how many times I chew. I hadn’t heard of doing that at that point– it just came naturally. This also means that when eating with other people, I’m usually the last one to finish.
I’m glad you’re enjoying your food. ☺️
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How wonderful you and your stomach have a lifetime of slow chewing behind your- I’m quite jealous 😊
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Love it. 😀 … I always put my knife and fork/spoon down between mouthfuls. When I don’t I catch myself readying the next mouthful before I finish chewing the previous one.
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Aha; great strategy. I should have known you’d be onto it 😎
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Mmm…I love food but also tend to ‘eat and do’ at the same time. I’ll give it a go, especially as there’s solid evidence that the something-or-others in saliva actually start the digestive process. Makes sense to mix them in more thoroughly. 🙂
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It is SO GOOD. I feel like my body loves it 😊
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After reading your post this morning, I tried it out on some almonds. I actually got to about 40 chews, but I know that’s not indicative of everything. Going to make a more concerted effort to eat slowly and chew properly. 😀
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I am so excited to read this! I chew most nuts for about 40 times too- I can’t believe I used to woof them down at about 10 chews before 🥴
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lmao! I’m amazed you didn’t choke!?!
My teeth ain’t what they used to be so I have to chew nuts, and crackling, with care these days. 😀
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Hahaha be careful!
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Trying! now is not the time to go to the dentist.
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As I read this, I had just scarfed down a couple of doughnuts. Not my usual fare, but they were the gourmet kind, from the city. And now I feel awful:). I think I might take a page out of your book!
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Yes: I was a bit of a woofer of food- am deeply enjoying the mindfulness, & it makes treats taste even better 😝
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Lovely pictures of you G 🙂 I will try it!
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Thanks Eve. Hope you’re doing ok xx ❤️
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