This post is sponsored by The Laughing Cow® and features a fun giveaway that I assembled myself that I hope you guys will love! I am an official brand advocate for The Laughing Cow® in 2014 and while I receive compensation for participation, opinions are my own. I hope you enjoy this post and thanks so much for your support!
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you likely already know that I consider myself a very fast eater. (Remember this blog post when I talked about some of the methods Ryan and I use to try to prolong our dinner dates!?) Slowing down and savoring my food takes effort on my part. I’ve always been a really fast eater and for as long as I can remember, I’ve been one of the first people to clear my plate in almost any social setting.
When The Laughing Cow® reached out to me about their new initiative that centers around savoring snack time, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I know I personally could stand to slow down and enjoy my food a little more and this seemed like a good push to brainstorm ways to make myself take a moment and enjoy what I’m eating.
Below you will find some tips and tricks I’ve been trying to practice during snack and meal times to help me appreciate what I’m eating and actually experience food rather than just inhaling it all the time. I’ve also featured some food pairings with The Laughing Cow Cheeses to give you some snack time inspiration!
Simple Tips for Savoring Snack Time
- Step Away from Electronic Distractions
All too often I’ll eat when I’m working at the computer and look up and think to myself, “I don’t even remember tasting that meal!” What a shame! I never watch TV during the day, but I am on the computer all the time. I also check my phone a lot since I use it to respond to emails, blog comments and other work-related tasks. By stepping away from electronic distractions, I feel much more in the moment and this makes me concentrate on tasting and savoring my snacks and meals.
Crisp Apple Slices + Roasted Almonds + The Laughing Cow Light Swiss Cheese Wedges
- Place My Fork Down In Between Bites
This is a tip I read in a magazine years ago that really does work. I tend to shovel food in my mouth a little too quickly, and taking the time to put down my fork or spoon in between bites extends mealtime a little bit and allows me to think more about what I’m eating and enjoy it.
Cucumber Slices + The Laughing Cow Creamy Swiss Garlic & Herb Cheese Wedges + Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Enjoy A Snack with a Mug of Hot Tea
This is something I tend to do at breakfast time that makes my morning meal last a little longer, so I tried extending it to snack time and it really does help! If I fix myself an afternoon snack and a hot cup of tea, I’m much more likely to sit down and enjoy my snack rather than grabbing it and stuffing it into my mouth while I’m on the go. Which leads me to my next bullet point…
Gluten-Free Almond Crackers + Ham Pinwheels + The Laughing Cow Creamy White Cheddar Cheese Wedges + Cracked Pepper
- Sit Down
I am the queen of eating at the kitchen counter. When I make myself grab a plate or a bowl and take my snack to the table, it seems to send a message to my brain that this is a time I need to chill out and enjoy what I’m eating rather than eat something as fast as possible before it’s onto the next thing.
Fresh Strawberries + Pretzel Crisps + The Laughing Cow Creamy Light Swiss Cheese Wedges
- Break the Routine
I tend to eat the same snacks over and over again until I get sick of them and discover something new. When I take the time to get a little creative in the kitchen and try something new, I find that I’m a lot more likely to notice and enjoy what I am eating.
And now it’s giveaway time!
I have personally assembled a giveaway worth $300 for one PBF reader to win! I tried to select items to help you kick back and relax a bit so you can thoroughly savor your meals and snacks!
This giveaway includes:
- $100 lululemon gift card – For you to pick up some super cute, comfy lounge-worthy apparel that you can also wear in public
- Cable knit throw from Pottery Barn – To curl up with while you enjoy a delicious snack this winter
- Le Creuset tea kettle (color of your choice) – To brew a hot beverage to sip while you eat
- Anthropologie mug with your initial – So you can sip your tea in style
- Snack Time Kit from The Laughing Cow
To enter this giveaway, simply leave a comment below telling me about one of the tricks you use to encourage yourself to slow down and savor your food or tell me about your favorite snack!
I will randomly select a winner on Friday.
Good luck!
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I pay attention to what I’m eating! No distractions, like my laptop, phone, etc and enjoy the company of who I’m eating with.
Love all your ideas! A go-to snack for me is a couple small pieces of whole grain/whole wheat toast with some honey peanut butter and banana slices on top…sprinkle with a little cinnamon!
Favorite snack: overnight oatmeal in a (almost) empty PB jar!! Delicious post-workout!! With chia seeds, banana, greek yogurt etc! Love to have breakfast while reading the paper in the morning.
I haven’t been able to slow down the eating/snacking! I’m taking your tips!
I always try to take at least one sip of water between every bite! It helps me slow down and drink more water at the same time!
Actually I use one that you have listed and it has worked for me every time. If I’m eating a hand held food I put it down between each bite and if I’m using a utensil the same rule applies. I’m always the last to finish my meal!
I love to have raw carrots, I shave them, chop up in smaller sizes and add a little water to the bag and keep in the fridge, fast and easy! My kids love them too!!
Favorite snack: Tie- apples w/ peanut OR carrots w/ hummus
I find that if I cut my food up in little pieces I can mange to eat in 15 mins instead of the usual 5. I am also a quick eater!
Right now I can’t get enough frozen peanut butter banana bites as my snack when I’m craving something sweet. In a savory mood, pita chips & hummus wins every time 🙂
Some of my favorite snacks are deviled eggs, lettuce wraps made with lunchmeat/tuna and cucumbers and tomatoes and pepperoni chips. My way to slow down is to always eat outside, at home and if they have outside seating – I sit outside at a restaurant. There is always something interesting to see and watch if you go outside. And yes, I love my covered deck when it is raining and not too cold !!
When I want to really enjoy a snack (or meal for that matter!) I make sure to plate it nicely and take it outside to eat on my patio. It’s so much more relaxing to eat outdoors in the sunshine and where I can’t see my to do list or any messed in the house!
I definitely find placing my utensil down between bites helps, as does holding a conversation with someone eating with me. It makes you stop eating in order to carry on the conversation and relationship.
A weird sounding, but delicious snack is carrots dipped in peanut butter.
I used to eat at the computer or while on my phone, but now I leave electronics in the other room and sit down at the table for my meals. This really helps me feel more satisfied and also ensures that I have actually enjoyed the meal!
I try and stop whatever I’m doing and just concentrate on my food.
I definitely try to eat without electronics around. It definitely makes a HUGE difference in savoring, and I think I can better recognize when I’m feeling full.
A glass of wine with my dinner seems to help slow me down. I also agree with the cup of tea and a snack. I am always reminding myself to chew my food more and to enjoy!
favorite fall snack – cracker topped with goat cheese and pumpkin butter 🙂
dates filled with peanut butter and chocolate chips.
My husband and I make sure to put our phones away during meals. This helps us enjoy our meals while talking about our day!
One of my all time favorite snacks is cottage cheese with granola and blueberries. Sweet, creamy, and crunchy! Love it
peanut butter energy balls
I love a crisp honeycrisp apple with a side of peanut butter or almond butter!
My mom and I are the slowest eaters. We always laugh because if its just her and I going to a restaurant we know we will be there for hours! I think eating with others helps me to slow down. My favorite snack is hummus and pretzels and almond butter with any fruit.
I have been enjoying apples and almond butter every afternoon!
I think it’s much easier to enjoy a meal if you put time and effort into it’s preparation. We are terrible at meal planning and it’s definitely an area I want to improve. I would also add that we sit at the table more now that we have a little one because that is where she eats.
I’m able slow down and enjoy a meal when I eat with someone else who I can have a conversation with!
I try to take a sip of water between bites. Hummus is one of my favorite snacks! I’ve never won anything in my life so this would be a great place to start!!!
I’ve been using the put the fork down trick for a while now and I think it really helps. If I’m out with people I try to make sure that I’m part of the conversation too, instead of listening and shoveling food into my face : )
Favorite snack lately has been pretzel sticks! I’m a sucker for the salt.
I am a fast eater too. I make sure to put my fork down between bites and take smaller bites.
Love this giveaway.
favorite snack is definitely peanut butter toast. i feel like it is such a treat, but healthy too! i caught “marry me” as well and loved it!
Favorite snack lately = popcorn dipped in peanut butter– SO good! My friend turned me on to it and I can’t get enough!
I do not allow any electronic devices at the table or allow the television to be on during our meals. This allows us to be focused on each other and our meal. I have found that I eat less when I don’t feel rushed and when I take my time visiting and catching up with my family. A win win all around.
I love snacking on cheese, crackers, and fruit!
My favorite snack is chocolate milk!
Funny because as I was reading your blog post, I was having a snack! One trick I do try to do a lot is sit down! I tend to make my breakfast and eat it standing in the kitchen instead of sitting down to savor it. It is much more comfortable sitting down!
I eat with my 15 month old….she’s entertaining and a nice paced eater 🙂
I love apples and peanut butter. It’s a great way to take a break at work, walk away from my desk and enjoy some me time!
What a generous prize package! My favorite snack is hummus with pita chip.
I try to not shovel food into my mouth so I like to eat with others and try to talk between bites, but I’m a really fast eater too, it’s hard not to be! Also, I love snacking on apples or strawberries with almond butter or just plain almonds 🙂
To savor snacks, I really try to put my phone away and set my fork down between bites. Otherwise, I am a crazy fast eater too! Currently, my favorite snack is an apple with almond butter 🙂
One of my favorite snacks is plain greek yogurt like fage, berries and fiber one cereal. The cereal adds a little crunch and adds tons of fiber!
Great giveaway! My favorite snack has to be homemade trail mix since I love to mix it up from week to week.
I’m a fast eater so I try to eat slowly and take a drink of water between each bite or two. Sometimes I even will try and count the number of times I chew each bite just to savor each one a little longer!
I try to make my snack/meal more appealing looking so I’ll actually sit down and enjoy it instead of just throwing it together or eating something straight out of the bag/jar. It’s an ongoing battle though! A favorite snack as of recently is baby carrots with almond butter. May sound a little strange but I promise SO good!
Oh I am a very speedy eater. My favorite snack is currently Greek yogurt with blueberries and granola.
My mom used to make me put my fork down in between bites, like you do! For me, although having something quick to grab is convenient, having a snack that requires some “assembly”, like cracker stacks definitely helps me both slow down and savor! I love pomegranates for that reason, they keep me busy all afternoon, haha.
I am a special education teacher so I am always on the move during the day. When I get home I make myself sit down with a cup of tea, cocoa or coffee and just relax for 10 minutes. Sometimes I read a magazine or one of my favorite blogs (PB Fingers!), other times I simply just sit and relax!
My favorite snack is vanilla greek yogurt with banana’s in it. I am still working on slowing down when I eat!
Eating my snack from a pretty bowl or plate makes me appreciate the visual aspect and it slows me down