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 tend to deconstruct snacks and eat each layer at a time rather than together so the snack lasts longer. Like instead of having Turkey and cheese on top of bread I’ll eat each thing separately so I can enjoy each flavor separately and it takes longer to eat.
My slow down technique is also putting my fork down and using my napkin! And a little conversation helps too!
I know its not always possible with only 24 hours in a day but I try to carve out at least 30 minutes to sit down and enjoy my meal weather thats Breakfast, lunch or dinner!
The putting down the fork is a classic! My bf and I also are known for being in a restaurant no longer than an hour so I also always try to have a glass of water when eating so I can put the fork down and take a sip of water to slow down.
Put your fork down between each bite. This forces you to slow down.
When I really want to enjoy my food, I force myself to set down my silverware between bites. This small action reminds me to slow down and savor the taste of each bite.
I’m also a fast eater who tends to be the first one done. A tip I read in a magazine once was to fully swallow your food before going for another bite. I should start sitting down without technology in my face when I eat. I’m always scrolling through stuff on my phone or computer.
One of my favorite snacks is a slice of toast smeared with avocado and sprinkled with kosher salt.
When I’m eating a meal, I’ll drink water between each bite. If I’m eating dessert, I’ll use a really small spoon, so I have more bites to enjoy!
I have a bad habit on inhaling food in front of the television but I’ve been more conscious lately and I’ve been eating at the dining room table. Not only does this help me keep the table from getting covered in mail and clutter but it’s also helped me be more mindful of eating.
I love cheese and crackers of pretty much any combination. So salty and savory!
I try to be mindful of what I am eating. Focusing on how it tastes, texture, smell, etc. Focusing on those different aspects helps slow you down!
Sabra’s olive tapenade hummus with carrot chips are de-lish! “)
My favorite snack right now is probably apples with peanut butter or trail mix! I try to drink water and enjoy each bite
I always drink lots of water when eating to slow down and eat less.
I know everyone uses this tip, but I take a sip of water in between bites! Plus my favorite snack is Chobani Strawberry Greek Yogurt with Kirkland’s Fancy Salted Nuts!! Odd combo, but it tastes like PB&J to me.
I slow down by taking a few seconds to be grateful for what I have in front of me, something that we can so easily take for granted. It works every time! 🙂
I like to use special plates and saucers, and real linen. I try to savor the experience as well as the food!
I force myself to sit down and relax or nap while my son naps almost every day. It makes such a difference in the way I approach the regs of the day!
My favorite snack is pretzels with peanut butter and a handful of chocolate chips! Best enjoyed with my 2 year old daughter, Clara.
apple with peanut butter, Kind bars, rice cakes with hummus…the list goes on. I don’t have many tips for slowing down, because honestly, I don’t!
My favorite snack is a banana boat – a frozen banana topped with chocolate chips and peanut butter that I heat up in the microwave for 30 seconds. YUM!
i try to focus on chewing everything well!
I try to slow down by putting my fork down between every bite!
My current favorite snack is dry packed olives by Mario Olives.
My favorite snack is yogurt with almonds !
My absolute favorite snack is hummus and carrots! Great giveaway!!
I also love Laughing Cow cheese. It’s good on toast, veggies, crackers, apples, and so much more!
To make sure I enjoy my snack, I try to step away from electronics while eating. I also close my eyes when a snack is truly delicious so there are absolutely no distractions, whatsoever, keeping me from enjoying my food! 🙂
I’m currently obsessed with frozen grapes. Curbs the craving for sweets!
I unplug and sit down!
I love spreading the Swiss cheese on Everything flavored Pretzel Slims. It tastes like a bagel and cream cheese without all the fat 🙂
I try to thoroughly chew my food and really taste each bite!
I snack on sun-dried tomatoes dipped in hummus while I make dinner. Yum.
My favorite snack is a scoop of peanut butter with a few chocolate chips sprinkled on top!
I look at my food while eating it, this forces me to focus on the actual snack and savor the flavors, smells, and experience rather than staring at a computer screen or tv.
I’m such a fast eater as well and I blame it on growing up with two brothers. ; ) My current snack trend is mini zucchini muffins but a snack that I never get tired of is cheese and pickles!!
OMG! Julie this is the BEST giveaway ever…. ALL of those things are already on my Christmas list I swear… the Le Cruset is in my amazon cart as we speak….. I always have a sweet tea after dinner to curb my sweet tooth, digest my food and realize that I’m actually full. My favorite snack is peanut butter… what else?!!?
My favorite snack is apples and almond butter!!
I’ve been on a half sandwich with pb and banana on wheatberry bread kick lately.. really tasty!
As a busy college student, savoring my snack time is definitely something I’ve tried to work on. I usually try to stop what I’ve been doing and take in each bite. If I’m having a midafternoon snack, I’ll have a cup of coffee sometimes with it as a pick me up. My favorite snack is definitely hummus with vegetables and pretzels.
I’m a big fan of removing distractions…cutting out tv, turning off the tv and leaving my phone in another room. I also have a few other things I do that seem to help! Right when I start cooking dinner I pour myself a big glass of water and sip throughout the meal prep. This way I put a little in my belly prior to eating which helps me eat smaller portions, and it also makes me cut down on snacking during a meal…Just me or do you ever have those days that you almost eat a meal while you cook? water, water, water!!
I make sure to drink water whenever I eat, and remind myself to chew slowly.
My favorite snack is definitely carrots and hummus! It’s the perfect mix of spices and fresh vegetables!
avocado toast is my absolute favorite snack – 1/2 an avocado, a little S&P and garlic powder when I am feeling crazy
LOVE this giveaway!
I’m in grad school, so it’s easy to rush through meals so I can get back to studying! I’ve started to take lunch breaks on the benches around my university’s campus which allows me to relax and get some fresh air, and slow down while eating my food!
MY favorite snack is still apples and peanut butter, or cashews and dark chocolate chips
Honestly, I try to take smaller bites. It sounds weird, but like you said, inhaling food is all too easy! I definitely don’t nibble on snacks but paying attention to my “bites” is something I try to be conscious of! And I know you mentioned tea but I love water…and I especially love the one Contigo bottle I have with a straw…so I try to sip water pretty often too!
My favorite snack is banana and peanut butter!
Since I eat waayy too fast as well I have no tricks but my favorite snack is peanut butter popcorn!
To slow down when eating I bring along a few friends to talk with while I eat.
I try and eat half of what is on my plate and take a short break (a couple of minutes) before resuming eating.