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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And I have to say I have a lot more work to do when it comes to slowing down for snack time. But my go-to snack is definitely a little cheese and grapes OR dates with a little PB!
I am a fast eater too! I love apples with peanut butter, yogurt, and cheese and crackers!
One of my tricks is sipping water in between. When I am at work I tend to forget to drink water because I am so into what I am doing!
apples + pb or banana + almond butter!!
I try to portion out my food and put it on a plate and sit down with a book or in a comfy spot rather than standing up and scarfing down my food!
I have always been a very fast eater. Putting down the digital distraction has helped, but it’s also been a matter of being really mindful about slowing down. Finishing a full bite and even putting down the fork between bites has helped. And really trying to enjoy my food rather than making eating something I simply HAVE to do.
My favorite snack is to combine a banana and some oatmeal with a few chocolate chips into cookies and bake them. They are simple and take care of my sweet cravings. As for slowing down and savoring things it is always easier for me if it is something I made from scratch. Either that or a mug of warm apple cider.
I love putting my meal (especially breakfast) in one of my painted bowls from West Elm and drinking my coffee out of a fun mug– this makes the experience much more enjoyable and makes me feel fancy while encouraging me to slow down!
I sit at the kitchen table! All too often, my husband and I watch TV while eating dinner and catching up on our day. I know that we eat slower when we actually clear the table of our junk (how embarrassing!) and use it to eat.
I have found that saying a prayer and thanks before I start to eat makes me feel more peaceful when I start eating, which helps me slow down! I also try to eat outside instead of at my desk during work, which helps, too! My favorite snack is sweet potatoes with peanut butter and cinnamon!
I am working on a project that requires very long days in the office. I actually “schedule” my daily snack times. I find this helps me to not only savor my snack since I know how exactly long I have to go before the next scheduled nibble, but it also helps me gage if I’m really hungry and want more or if I’m just emotionally eating (and if I determine it’s really hunger, then I break the snack schedule if my body needs the fuel)
I am such a fast eater too!! Tricks that help me are stepping away from the social media, making sure to sit at the table, and chewing at least 15 times per bite 🙂
I am on the go most of the time so I try to make sure my snacks are at a time where I can acknowledge the nourishment and taste they provide. It’s no fun just eating because you have to or feel you need to.
I try to sit at the table and focus on my meal or snack.
My favorite fall snack is definitely a delicious honey crisp apple dipped in creamy almond butter. Yum!
I try to drink a glass of water before eating. I tend to be thirsty more than hungry, and the water seems to fill me before I pillage small chocolate villages like Captain Jane Hungry-sauce. (What? You don’t name your hungry alter-ego?)
Putting away my phone, and taking a few bites and then putting down my fork! My go to snacks are Larabars, or apple and almond butter 🙂
I am such a fast eater. I can clear a plate before anyone else. Maybe it is because I am a mom of twin babies, and have to wolf down my food while I have a few minutes, lol. To eat slower, I try to be free from distractions like you said. Just focus on eating, no computer, no cell phone, no t.v.,etc.
To slow down on eating, I try and eat with a group of people and have conversation to slow down the process. I LOVE to eat period. I want to make sure and savor each bite!
I try plating snacks & meals (even if take out), praying, & paying attention to surroundings w.o any reading to help me savor. I love L aughing cow and everything pretzel crisp combination.
My favorite snack as of late is gluten-free cheddar crackers made by Outside the Breadbox in Colorado Springs. They are delicious! 🙂
By taking the time to put my food on a plate. If I just eat out of the cupboard or bag, I just keep inhaling it!
Eating with chopsticks reduces the size of each bite and drinking a glass of red wine out of a fancy glass makes me put my utensil down to focus on holding the glass so I do not break (or spill) my drink! Thanks for the snack ideas!
I have been trying to step away from the computer or phone when it’s time to eat/snack. Makes a world of difference.
My tip that I’m trying to force myself to do 100% of the time is to sit down at my dining table versus sitting on my floor at my coffee table. Slows me down, healthier for digestion, and helps me reduce other distractions. 🙂
This might sound weird, but having a set time that I am going to eat my snack works for me. It gives me something to look forward to and that way I savor the snack much more than I would if I were just mindlessly eating.
I’ve noticed that if I eat alone, I really have to focus on slowing down and not inhaling my food. One trick that works for me is reading while I’m eating alone. It gives me something other than the food to get wrapped up in, and I get to really enjoy what I’m eating.
Sitting at the table and turning off electronics is the best way I know to slow down, but it is SO hard for me to do, especially at snack times!
I love to plan out and prepare my snacks for the day the same way you plan out meals for the week! Cucumbers, turkey, and hummus are my fave lately.
Wow, I was just talking with someone about this very thing yesterday and not just about snacking. I need to be more present throughout the day (very zen, I know). I tend to rush through my day, thinking about what I need to do next instead of what I’m doing in that moment. So I just want to slow down in general, and eating is one time when I really need to do that. I’ll certainly use your tricks (I had a cup of tea tonight with my snack actually, ha ha!).
I love love love any butter with banana 🙂
I try to eat most meals media free. No phone and no tv. That way I can focus on my meal and family at the table. Conversations begin to flow and the meal naturally slows down.
Using a pretty and small bowl or plate makes me slow down. It looks like I have more food and I don’t eat as quickly.
I find it useful to think about my food before and while I’m eating. Also, eating with people helps slow me down because I am focused on the conversation too. Some of my favorite snacks are pb and apple, lara bars, carrots and hummus, greek yogurt. 🙂 I love the giveaway!
Maternity leave is not helping my passion for snacking! However, I try to not buy “snacky” type foods. And if I do, I don’t sit in front of the TV and snack or else it’s trouble!! 🙂
My favorite snack is PB+J on a rice cake! Putting it on a plate before eating it makes me slow down (a little)
The best way I know to slow down at dinner is great conversation!
My trick to slowing down is to sit at the table and turn off my phone!
I am also a fast eater! I’ve started taking sips of water in between bites, which makes me eat slower AND drink more water! I’m going to try your hot tea trick!
My favorite snack is warm diced apples, topped with peanut butter, cinnamon, and granola!
I like to sit at the table and put my snack on a plate. It helps me to slow down & enjoy it!
I snack on the patio
I make sure to chew and swallow fully and then stop eating whenever I do ANYTHING else – talk to people I’m eating with, pick up a napkin etc. it helps draw out meal times and saves me the embarrassment of inhaling my food before other people have barely started!
I think those ham pinwheels are going to be a new favorite! What a yummy idea! Those gifts would be awesome. I just moved to the mountains and am going to experience my first real winter. Brrrr!
I don’t use electronics while eating. I focus on my foods!
I pace myself by my husbands speed, he eats slow and savors and I try to use his pace to slow down mine
I have learned that chewing my food until it is basically crumbs help me to slow down! I have the exact same problem! haha
My “trick” to savoring snacks is to put my fork down between bites or pause after each bite after swallowing.
I try to put my phone down or put away the laptop when snacking otherwise I barely remember what I just ate. Love laughing cow cheese and apples!
Sweet give away! I’m a fast eater too and the best tool for me to slow down is CHOPSTICKS 😉