New Research Reveals Why You Might Eat Too Fast

Source: Bernadette Wurzinger/Pixabay

Quiz: Who do you think eats the fastest?

A) Firstborn children

B) Middle children

C) Youngest children

D) Only children

Whether you are a fast or slow eater may be related to whether you have siblings and your birth order, according to a new study in the journal of Clinical Obesity.

According to this study, first-born children were twice as likely to eat faster than other kids.

A second finding of the study indicated that a higher number of siblings is associated with a speedy eating rate.

In contrast, only‐child adults reported eating slower than adults who were not firstborn.

Why? Some hypothesize that it may be that having siblings creates perceived or real competition for food. Also, more people lead to greater distraction, which can reduce your focus on how quickly you are eating. Or the end of the meal may signal playtime, and eating stands in the way of more desirable activities.

Also, studies have shown that people tend to eat more when they are with groups, matching the pace and amount they eat to those in the group.

Interestingly, adults who grew up with siblings reported continuing the habit of eating fast into their adulthood. In other words, eating quickly is a behavior that persists. It makes a good case for parents to be mindful of the pace of meals and encourage kids to take their time.

As we know, the benefits of eating slowly are many. It helps us to enjoy our food more. Triggers better digestion. Assists in eating more mindful portions. Prevents insulin resistance. But it’s not always easy to do.

5 tips for eating slower:

1. Set your intention. At the beginning of the meal, remind yourself, “Pace, don’t race.”

2. Match your pace. Notice how quickly your dining companions are eating. Aim to eat at the same or slower rate than the person who is eating the most leisurely.

3. Use your non-dominant hand. If you are right-handed, eat with your left hand. Research indicates this will slow you down by 30 percent.

4. Remember to take a drink. Taking a sip naturally inserts a pause moment.

5. Use a red plate. Studies have shown that this naturally slows down your pace without any conscious thought. Our brains automatically slow down when we see the color red.