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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mmm those pretzel crisps with the laughing cow & strawberries on top looks DIVINE! i must try that 🙂
my go to snack right now is a green smoothie! for the past few days i have been gravitating towards them mostly because i can jam a bunch of greens in there and it fills me up 🙂 plus there’s so many combinations!
I must admit that I am a fast eater/snacker too. I do think when I actually put my snack on a plate and walk away from the kitchen, I tend to savor my food more.
I love taking the time, even if it’s just a few minutes, to prepare something. I enjoy it so much more than if I just grab food and scarf it down.
My favorite snack is definitely an apple or carrots. Lately I’ve been pairing them with some sort of fat/protein for staying power – peanut butter, almond butter, avocado, or some applegate lunchmeat!
Without fail, I take home the gold for how quickly I clear my plate! The one tactic that does help me slow my roll is eating outside.
I love to snack, so on Sundays I usually bake up a healthy sweet treat (usually from Oh She Glows!) and individually wrap the treats (whether they are cookies, bars, etc.) and stash them in the freezer. Then, before work, I pop one in my bag and by the time I want to snack on it, it’s defrosted!
I am guilty of being a fast eater too! My favorite snack right now is pretzel thins with hummus or Greek yogurt dip!
I put my fork down and sip on water throughout my meals! Drinking water helps me a lot!
Drinking a glass of water prior to the start of eating helps take the edge off my hunger and helps stop my rushing.
I love Greek yogurt with cocoa powder, stevia and almonds!! Putting my spoon down in between bites helps me slow down:-)
Favorite snack is a monkey smoothie with a banana, peanut butter, milk and a touch of honey, blended with ice for the perfect consistency.
I really love tomatos and cucumbers with roasted red pepper hummus…and some pita chips! Mmmm!
My favorite snack is a tie between Nut Thins dipped into cottage cheese and baby carrots dipped into any kind of nut butter! Yum!
My favorite snack is apples with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top! The little dash of seasoning seems to up the tastiness of the snack!
I LOVE avocado with tomato on a slice of whole wheat bread! Taste amazing and keeps me full for a while! 🙂 Thank you for all the giveaways that you do and just the every day blogging that you do!
I like to chew my food slowly and take tips of water between each bite. My favorite snack is an apple with peanut butter!
I try to chew as quietly as possible- especially around other people! Loud chewing is a pet peeve of mine! It takes longer and forces me to think about every bite
You can never go wrong with an apple and peanut butter! Yum!
Oh man I totally know what you mean about eating too fast! I scarf down my food. I’m trying to get better though! One thing is to put my snacks or meals on a plate. If I make it look pretty I’m more likely to slow down and appreciate it. 🙂
What a great giveaway! 🙂 I always try to sit down when I eat… and I’ve been loving frozen grapes or hummus with pita chips & carrots.
Gouda with apple slices OR graham cracker with almond butter and a few choc chips 🙂
Since I have a slow digestive system I have to eat slow or else my stomach hurts! Usually if I eat with someone and we are talking while we eat it definitely helps me chew more and eat slower. I know you said “OR” but I couldn’t help myself! My go-to snack is banana and Peanut butter!! YUM! Or a spoonful of peanut butter will do! 🙂
It’s a toss up between peanut butter and bananas… hummus and carrots… or a larabar/questbar/Purebar!!! My go-to yummies!!!
My favorite snack is Annie’s Graham Bunnies and a spoonful of whatever jelly is on hand. And a cup of hot tea!
Definitely baby carrots dipped in salsa or, the main staple in my diet, oatmeal with a very hefty scoop of peanut butter.
The easiest way for me to savor my snack is to step away from my desk at work! Sounds easy, but I really have to make the effort or it won’t happen.
What a great giveaway!!! I really like vanilla greek yogurt and a variety of different berries.
During the week, my snack doubles as one of the few breaks I get from patient care on my 12 hour shifts. So I savor my food, really enjoy those 10 minutes, and when I do that I feel refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the day!
My favorite snack is a rice cake topped with turkey and avocado slices with a hefty sprinkle of fresh ground pepper!
What an awesome giveaway! I try to sit down at the kitchen table. It forces me to pay attention to what I’m eating.
One of my favorite snacks (especially during a busy work day) is string cheese, a few almonds, and a tiny box of raisins! The sweet savory combo always holds my attention and makes me take a minute to focus on the snack itself! Also, the protein from the cheese and nuts packs some serious staying power 🙂
I’m loving avocado toast or rice cakes. So yummy!
My favorite snack usually involves a spoon and a jar of sunbutter 🙂
My favourite snack is plain yogurt, berries, cinnamon and all bran buds sprinkled on top 🙂
My favorite snack is popcorn! Since it makes so much I feel like I can enjoy myself for that much longer!
Chew and chew and chew! Slows you down and gives you time to savor your meal!
During the summer, I love to escape computer work by taking my plate of food outside to enjoy on my patio!! Breathing in some fresh air accompanied by my dog is always so enjoyable and also me to savor my food! 🙂
I try not to eat lunch in my office- move away from the work desk.
What a great giveaway! My favorite snack is hummus with veggies or pretzel thins!
Definitely putting my snack or meal on a plate or in a bowl helps me to slow down! Love this giveaway!
When eating, I really try to have meaningful conversation with my husband and daughter. It makes snacks and meals more enjoyable!
I like to have a sliced apple or pear, with a few slices of sharp cheddar and something crunchy (like almonds or triscuits)! Perfect combo!
One of my favorite snacks is definitely apples and peanut butter 🙂
My favorite snack is greek yogurt and dried fruit (raisins, craisins, apples, banana chips)!
I’m like you in that I tend to stick with one snack for awhile! Lately I’ve been loving my Chai PB Protein Shake made with a frozen banana, 1 serving of Oregon Chai concentrate and 1 tbsp of peanut butter 🙂 turning off my computer helps me focus on the yummy taste and stay fuller longer!
Making the food look pretty, presentation is fun! Dipping things in ramekins, like dipping fruit in yogurt or scooping veggies with hummus. Taking time to pick up and savor each bite with each dip is something I love to do.
Love reading everyone’s comments. Gives me some good ideas. My usual snack is either yogurt or wheat crackers with cheese.
My favorite snack has to be peanuts or peanut butter. Gives you a feeling of full so you can comfortably make it to your next meal. Love the post. 🙂
One of my favorite snacks is a fried egg on a slice of toasted gf bread topped with half an avocado with plenty of s & p!
My favorite technique for slowing down when I’m eating is to take a sip of water after every single bite! I’m also terrible at keeping hydrated, so that helps me crank up my water intake as well!