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!
![\"Quantcast\"/](\"//pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-1e3-7hOJ_U8Bg.gif\")
My favorite snack is crackers topped with goat cheese and tomato slices!
My favorite snack is anything with peanut butter and bananas together. I also really love greek yogurt with chunky peanut butter mixed in!
I am totally a fast eater too! I have found that if I sit down at the table (not in front of the T.V. or computer) I savor my snack much more. As for my favorite snacks, definitely greek yogurt or homemade granola bars! YUM!!
I love nut crisps and the laughing cow Swiss cheese! So yummy! Also my go to is an apple with nut butter. Always delicious 🙂
I absolutely agree with your tip to sit down to meals!! I always try to sit at the table and not multitask while having a meal – no computer, tv, homework, etc. I find it really does help me to slow down and enjoy/appreciate the meal more!
I try and engage with my company during a meal to pace myself, whether it’s talking about my day with my boyfriend over dinner or a bigger group during a meal out!
I always try to drink a couple glasses of water throughout my meals. It always helps slow me down!
I have the same problem with inhaling food! I have noticed that eating without any electronics in front of me is the best for savoring my snack/meal and actually paying attention to what I’m eating. And favorite snack – Greek yogurt, chocolate protein powder, and peanut butter mixed together!!
i love the laughing cow cheese in queso fresco chipotle with apple slices- so good!
I definitely follow the rule to put your fork down after each bite – it works!!! But I definitely need to work on stepping away from the computer AND kitchen counter when I eat!
I an so guilty of all the same things! Eating at the kitchen counter and while playing on my phone! I try and slow down and put my fork down between bites. It always helps to take smaller bites and chew each bite 40 times.
This giveaway was made for me. They are opening the new mall by me tomorrow (in Sarasota!!!). There is a Lululemon store opening, which I have never even set foot in because the prices freak me out! Love all the other items too:)
putting away my phone really Helps me slow down and appreciate what I’m eating!
I love being able to sit down and enjoy my snack! Being a college student, I often do not have time to throughly enjoy a snack in between classes but when I can I make sure to savior it! My favorite snack at the moment is a honey crisp apple with almonds, I always slice my apple which I think makes my mind slow down to eat it!
I am currently obsessed with the chobani flips…the key lime pie is totally my favorite! I am also a speed eater…I am constantly in a hurry and find myself inhaling my food all the time. I have tried to be very conscious of this and focus on my breathing between bites and trying to drink more while I’m eating to make myself slow down.
I am loving this giveaway!
We always have a jar of cucumbers and onions in a vinegar sauce in the fridge. I’ll just stick my fork in there and eat a bunch. SO GOOD.
My go-to snack is veggies and hummus! Easy and delicious!
I am naturally a very slow eater… I’m usually the last to finish, so slowing down isn’t an issue for me 🙂 But, my favorite snack is peanut butter with a sliced banana. Simple and delicious 🙂
I live alone, so rather than eat in front of the TV I’ve been listening to music. It makes meals more entertaining but still lets me focus while I snack away!
My fav snack is hands down simply salted orville popcorn!
I too eat quickly and am always the first one done. I try to take sips of water between bites, to slow down and allow myself to recognize when I’m full.
I love this giveaway! I have a terrible habit of rushing through all of my meals, wanting to get on with my next to-do. Snack time is no different. First trick for me is to not wait until I’m starved, then I like to sit back with my favorite magazine or book and savor a good 15 min with my munchies 🙂
you shared some great ideas/tips! i will have to try them.. but my favorite go to snack is a yogurt parfait! I love yogurt with fruit and cereal or granola! YUM!
Thanks!! 🙂
great post! my favorite current snack is a sliced banana with one tablespoon natural peanut butter and one tablespoon nutella with green tea.
Hi!! My favorite snack is sharp cheddar cheese and apple slices!
I love a spoonful of cashew butter from trader joe’s! So delish!!!
Favorite snack currently is definitely greek pumpkin yogurt topped with some pecans!
I’m already a pretty slow eater (always the last one at the table with food), but conversation also slows me down! As for snack time — I love granny smith apples and sharp cheddar! The best pairing!
Hi Julie,
I try to truly be present in the moment and taste each bite- it keeps me from eating too quickly. Lately, I’ve been snacking on some delicious chocolate coconut peanut butter paired with fruit slices.
My favorite snack is peanut butter and banana- the classic never dies!
I love eating tomato slices as a snack! And sometimes kettle corn, not at the same time of course!!
I also like to scroll through the news on Google while I eat. A little current events always slows me down!
my favorite snack is popcorn…but because I only allow myself to eat once in awhile I eat it one or two kernels at a time. My “go to” snack is crunch apple slices. I cut the apple into slices so I can take my time eating one slice at a time savoring each one of them:) I love your tips and the give away is awesome.
My favorite snack is an apple with pb!
My favorite snack are the baby food squeeze pouches! I nanny for twins so they are always available!
I have found that the only way I can thoroughly enjoy my snack is if I don’t snack while making it! Often times I find myself snacking before a snack, which kinda defeats the purpose 😉 Love the cucumber and cheese snack idea!
My favorite is apple with almond butter!
I try to drink 6-8 ounces of water before every meal and snack to help stay hydrated and feel full. My favorite snack is a crisp sliced apple with some type of nut butter (preferably Trader Joe’s Salted Cashew Butter) on the side. Yum!
I think my favourite new snack would have to be dates with some sort of nut! Pecans are the best as it is like a healthy version of pecan pie ;). I try my best to sit down and relax while I snack but far too often I am snacking on the run or in class!
I definitely need to mix it up! I will probably never get tired of peanut butter and a banana, but I need to try something new that can get me from lunch to dinner!
I love the idea of drinking hot tea!
My favorite snack is anything fruit related with some protein for substance: banana & pb, cottage cheese & blueberries, etc…
I think the best tip that works for me is taking a sip of water between bites, to both slow down and gauge fullness. 🙂
Putting the fork down between bites definitely slows me down. Spoonful of peanut butter is always a great pick me up!!
My favorite snack is pretzels and hummus!
my favorite snack is fruit!
I set the stage for slowing down and savoring by playing music- any instrumental! , lighting candles at dinner and having one family member pick a topic of their choice! Ie funny story from day, favorite movie etc. provides great balance of enjoying the meal and family/friends!
Brewing a cup of tea reminds me to take a break and enjoy the moment! I like to enjoy green tea with pumpkin bread this time of year 🙂
I absolutely love the classic banana and peanut butter. If I feel like I need something extra, I’ll place this combo on top of a rice cake with chia seeds!
I have always been one to eat too fast. Which also led me to eating more! I had to become really aware of how fast I was eating and the best way I found was to use a smaller fork! Sounds silly but it helps A LOT! Not being able to take such big bites had a way of helping me slow down, and feel fuller when I was done rather than plowing a bunch of food then getting even more because that didn’t settle yet and fill me up! And, one of my favorite snacks is cut up mangos and strawberries with a little honey and raw cacao nibs!
my favorite snack is straight up chocolate chips
Eating with friends is the best way I know how to slow down my meal…good food, good conversation and good laughs!