Peanut Butter Fingers

Living a Life Fueled by Healthy Food and Fitness

Navigation
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Who’s Who
    • All About NASM
    • Disclaimer
    • Wedding
  • Recipe Index
  • Workouts
  • Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy + Baby #2
    • Pregnancy + Baby #3
    • Miscarriages
  • Baby
  • Shop + Favs
    • My Amazon Shop
    • Codes + Discounts
    • Books
    • Blogging
  • Travel
    • Orlando & Florida
    • Blog Travel

Savoring Snack Time

October 15, 2014 by Julie 2,690 Comments

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.

Simple Tips for Savoring Snack Time

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.

Apples Cheese Almonds

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.

Laughing Cow Cheese with Cucumber Slices

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…

Laughing Cow Cheese and Ham

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.

Laughing Cow Cheese   Pretzel Crisps   Strawberries

Laughing Cow Cheese with Strawberries

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!

Laughing Cow Light Swiss

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! 

giveaway.jpg

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!

Be sure to follow PBFingers on Instagram and Facebook!

I'd love to connect with you! I am always so grateful when you let me know you tried one of my recipes or workouts and tag me in your photos or updates. Thank you so much!!!

Filed Under: Giveaway, Tips Tagged With: giveaway, snack ideas, snack time, snacks, The Laughing Cow, tips

About Julie

My name is Julie and I am a full-time blogger, new mama, fitness enthusiast (certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor) and food fanatic (mostly healthy... but also not-so-healthy) living in North Carolina with my husband, dog and baby boy. Thank you for visiting Peanut Butter Fingers! I hope you enjoy little glimpses into my life and have fun trying the sweaty workouts I frequently share and making some of my favorite recipes along the way!

« Spaghetti Squash Dinner
Easy Baked Chicken »

Comments

  1. Elle says

    October 16, 2014 at 4:31 pm

    I am just like you Julie and WOLF through all my meals! Oddly enough, I find distractions, whether it be a conversation with my boyfriend or a good book, slows me down and helps me savor my food a bit longer!

    Reply
  2. Erin T. says

    October 16, 2014 at 4:34 pm

    I can’t help but snack on pepperoni – it’s such an easy, quick, delicious snack. I also do those 100 calorie packs of nuts if I’m feeling healthy. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Katie says

    October 16, 2014 at 4:36 pm

    I have a hard time with dinner or things that are supposed to be hot because I like my food hot. Usually if I’m eating with someone I can chat and slow down or if it’s a good people watching scenario that helps too.

    Reply
  4. Devin Self says

    October 16, 2014 at 4:38 pm

    one of the ways I try to savor snack time or my time around the table with family/friends is to engage in conversation with them. It slows down how fast I eat and I get some good quality conversations in with the people around me. Instead of just inhaling my food and not paying attention to what’s around me! haha

    Reply
  5. jenna says

    October 16, 2014 at 4:42 pm

    I try to put down whatever eating utensil I’m using in between bites! -it’s tough!

    Reply
  6. Katy says

    October 16, 2014 at 4:42 pm

    If I’ve decided to treat myself to something like chips or M&Ms I like to eat them with my left hand (my non-dominant hand). You really notice how many times you reach for more and how often!

    Reply
  7. Emily says

    October 16, 2014 at 4:44 pm

    Drinking lots of water with all meals and snacks helps me slow down!

    Reply
  8. Erica says

    October 16, 2014 at 4:51 pm

    Apple slices with almond butter will always be my go-to snack! Quick, easy and filling!

    Reply
  9. Mckenna says

    October 16, 2014 at 4:51 pm

    My go to snack is a handful of roasted chick peas! It’s a perfect on the go snack when I’m running all over my college campus. I love to spice them up with hot pepper flakes and add a bit of garlic salt. So delicious!

    Reply
  10. Maureen Polson says

    October 16, 2014 at 4:52 pm

    M y favorite snack would something that is sweet and salty or something that is creamy. I try to remember to slow down and enjoy it (instead of scarfing it down), by chewing it thoroughly and savoring the flavor and textures. This is an awesome give away and one that hubby would love too since he would love the teapot.

    Reply
  11. Allie says

    October 16, 2014 at 4:52 pm

    My favorite snack lately is roasted garlic hummus with veggies. I love Laughing Cow cheese with with veggies also!

    Reply
  12. Paige says

    October 16, 2014 at 4:52 pm

    Putting away your electronics is a must! My favorite snack (and basically one of my vices) is Stacy’s pita chips with hummus. It’s like an afternoon treat that never gets old 🙂

    Reply
  13. Devon Spindle says

    October 16, 2014 at 4:59 pm

    I like to exchange events of my day with my boyfriend over dinner. While he talks, I eat. While I talk, he eats! Favorite snack right now is the seasonal Pumpkin Pie Yopliat with 2 Tbls of Reddi Whip!

    Reply
  14. Steph says

    October 16, 2014 at 5:00 pm

    Disconnecting from my computer, TV, and phone while eating definitely helps me slow down and enjoy my meal, even though it is tough to do sometimes. I also drink a lot of water in between bites.

    Reply
  15. Sarah says

    October 16, 2014 at 5:03 pm

    We went apple and grape (I know!) picking last week and have an over-abundance of AMAZING fresh fruit, so I’ve found myself snacking on chopped apple, a handful of grapes, and some sort of cheese. A little bit sweet, so delicious, and a lot of staying power to get me through the afternoon. I’m sure the apple would be great with some LC Cheddar – I’m off to the store!

    Reply
  16. Dana says

    October 16, 2014 at 5:11 pm

    I am definitely someone that has a tea with my snacks, helps me slow down and realize what I’ve eaten, what a wonderful giveaway!

    Reply
  17. Janna says

    October 16, 2014 at 5:11 pm

    I love snacking on peanut butter and honey wheat pretzels!

    Reply
  18. Steph says

    October 16, 2014 at 5:13 pm

    I love making up a mini cheese plate with fresh fruit, cheese, and crackers. This tricks my brain into thinking I’m eating something fancy, and then I tend to enjoy it more and relax a little longer!

    Reply
  19. Catherine says

    October 16, 2014 at 5:14 pm

    Great tips! I try to share a snack with someone. It gets us talking about what we’re eating!

    Reply
  20. Missy says

    October 16, 2014 at 5:14 pm

    I eat really fast, too. One of my favorite snacks is a banana and pb/ab.

    Reply
  21. Lisa says

    October 16, 2014 at 5:17 pm

    I think the best things for me to do to slow down is turn off the tv, read while I’m eating or, like you, drink some tea or coffee. I find that drinking tea/coffee fills me up so my snack not only takes longer to eat but it also keeps me fuller longer so I don’t walk back into the kitchen 30 mins later!

    Reply
  22. Jessica says

    October 16, 2014 at 5:22 pm

    My favorite snack is Greek yogurt or hummus with carrots

    Reply
  23. Jessica McB. says

    October 16, 2014 at 5:29 pm

    I have found that I will slow down while eating if I make sure our family eats at the dinner table. We aren’t in front of the TV as well and we are talking more with each other.

    Reply
  24. Brittney says

    October 16, 2014 at 5:40 pm

    I try to drink water (or wine!) in between bites to help myself slow down. And I remind myself that meals are about conversation and not just food!

    Reply
  25. Anna Roy says

    October 16, 2014 at 5:54 pm

    My best savoring your snack tip is definitely to sit down, away from distractions, and drink water alongside makes me eat slower too!

    My favorite snack [that I pretty much have EVERY DAY] is yogurt and granola!

    Reply
  26. Devon says

    October 16, 2014 at 5:55 pm

    I like to read while I eat!

    Reply
  27. Katie says

    October 16, 2014 at 6:00 pm

    My favorite snack is an apple with almond butter!

    Reply
  28. Lauren says

    October 16, 2014 at 6:05 pm

    I always try and make a conscious effort to drink a glass of water with my meals! It helps me slow down if I take a break from my food and take a sip of water :).

    Reply
  29. Grace says

    October 16, 2014 at 6:06 pm

    I love to snack on a banana and a tablespoon g natural peanut butter. Or if I am looking for something on the go I like to grab Lara bar. Or some homemade veggie chips!! The best trick that helps me slow down, is to really savor each bite and to try and separate all the flavors!

    Reply
  30. Kelsey says

    October 16, 2014 at 6:07 pm

    I used to be one who could clear a plate in minimal time but I’ve learned if I have a glass of lemon water with me as I eat, meal time lasts so much longer!

    Reply
  31. Kalee says

    October 16, 2014 at 6:08 pm

    My favorite snack is pretzels with peanut butter, pretzels with cheese, pretzels with ANYTHING! 🙂

    Reply
  32. Sarah @ KS Runner says

    October 16, 2014 at 6:11 pm

    I am a tea drinker and I too tend to slow down and enjoy what I’m eating if I’m having it with a hot mug of tea. I also try not to grab food when I’m walking out the door…I will almost always grab something unhealthy and I won’t even taste it when I’m eating on the run.

    Reply
  33. Moira says

    October 16, 2014 at 6:25 pm

    If I sit at a table without my phone I slow down so many of my meals are eaten on the couch in front of the tv. I need to sit at the table more often.

    Reply
  34. Romana says

    October 16, 2014 at 6:27 pm

    I love to savor by sometimes just being grateful for the food I am about to eat, and thinking about either who prepared it or where the food must have come from. Anything to stay in the moment, really.

    Reply
  35. Alice says

    October 16, 2014 at 6:39 pm

    I used to always wolf down my meals, but lately I’ve been able to slow down! I’ve found that if I eliminate distractions (especially TV) while eating, and put my utensils down and take a sip of water between bites, I can spend more time enjoying my food. I spend a while making my dinners, so I might as well enjoy them too! 🙂

    Reply
  36. Nicole says

    October 16, 2014 at 6:45 pm

    Hi, Julie – I agree with you about stepping away from the electronics. I tend to work on the computer a lot, but stepping away definitely helps me to focus on each bite and how it tastes. Also, having someone to eat and converse with helps to slow me down and enjoy my meal as well!

    Reply
  37. Sallie Burroughs says

    October 16, 2014 at 6:52 pm

    I am a sucker for straight up peanut butter and carrots. I don’t know why, but, they are a tasty and strange combination.

    To savor my snack, I try to drink a cup of water while I’m eating. It helps to slow things down and remind me not to ravenously chow down my food in record-breaking time.

    Reply
  38. Christina M says

    October 16, 2014 at 6:57 pm

    I literally close my eyes and try to taste the individual flavors! When I remember to do this, the food is even more delicious!

    Reply
  39. Erin m. says

    October 16, 2014 at 7:11 pm

    I’m trying to force myself to slow down when eating by putting my fork down between bites….I tend to eat very quickly when I get home because I’m so hungry

    Reply
  40. Janet C says

    October 16, 2014 at 7:21 pm

    My favorite snack is an english muffin with peanut butter and bananas on top! YUM

    Reply
  41. Rachel says

    October 16, 2014 at 7:27 pm

    I live by myself, so a lot of food time happens to be on the couch. I’ve recently implemented a new rule; all meals must be eaten at the table. No tv, no phone, no computer. It helps me recognize cues easier as well (still hungry, too full, I’m thirsty, etc.)

    Reply
  42. Whitney says

    October 16, 2014 at 7:35 pm

    I agree with all this! I try and remind myself to slow down and enjoy my food more. I read somewhere that nothing tastes as good or is as satisfying to us as the first bite. So I try to make my other bites matter and not mindlessly eat!

    Reply
  43. cel says

    October 16, 2014 at 7:41 pm

    A good way to slow down is while the food is in your mouth focus on all the different flavours and textures! When i have a juicy mango for a snack i taste the juicy flesh, the sweet/sour tang and the nutrients breakdown so they can infuse into my cells! 🙂

    Reply
  44. Jessica mason says

    October 16, 2014 at 7:43 pm

    I track everything I eat with my fitness pal and have been trying to slow down while eating. It’s so tough to slow down on this go go go culture!

    Reply
  45. Sarah B. says

    October 16, 2014 at 7:45 pm

    Can’t beat a snack of PB and apples!! I

    Reply
  46. laura t. says

    October 16, 2014 at 7:47 pm

    My favorite snack is homemade trail mix or fruit + nut butter

    Reply
  47. Jane S. says

    October 16, 2014 at 7:56 pm

    I am in medical school and feel like I’m studying all the time, so I use snack time as a a break and really savor it. It’s definitely something I look forward too, especially when it’s a fun snack I’ve prepared, like the examples above, and not just another granola bar. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  48. Melissa H says

    October 16, 2014 at 7:57 pm

    I love plain Greek yogurt!!! Mmm. Love savoring each bite, and usually a few bites with the spoon turned upside down! 🙂

    Reply
  49. emily jo says

    October 16, 2014 at 8:01 pm

    im a very fast eater! i always finish before my boyfriend… like he was starting to eat and i was finishing up! haha but i slow down my coffee time snack compared to other meals of the day.. its because i sit down with coffee and some sweets and i savor every bite 🙂

    Reply
  50. Debbie says

    October 16, 2014 at 8:03 pm

    A snack hodge podge of grapes, nuts, and cheese is my favorite!

    Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hi! I’m Julie and I am a mom to three energetic boys and a personal trainer and blogger living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Welcome to my blog! Peanut Butter Fingers follows my life and my interests in food, fitness, family, travel and (mostly) healthy living.
NEVER MISS A POST!
FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestBloglovin
Follow

Search

Fashion Favorites

Beauty Favorites

Items I Swear By

Kid Favorites

Shop My Baby Essentials

Quick Links

  • Favorite Posts
  • Recipe Index
  • Workouts
  • Fashion
  • Pregnancy/Baby
  • Family

Recent Posts

  • Week of Weeknight Meals: June 2025
  • Things I’m Loving Friday #558
  • Recent Looks: #11
  • Week of Workouts: June 2025
  • Things I’m Loving Friday #557

Categories

Archives

Disclaimer

I am not a registered dietitian. My blog is simply a documentation of my life. The views I express are mine alone, based on my own experiences, and should not be taken as medical advice. I DO NOT post everything I eat. Though I am a certified personal trainer, the workouts I post may not be right for you. Please speak with a medical professional before making any changes to your current routine.

Affiliates

Please note that affiliate links may pop up on PBF from time to time. I greatly appreciate your support!
Privacy Policy

Copyright � 2013 Peanut Butter Fingers / Julie Fagan. All Rights Reserved.
Blog Designed by SWOON CREATIVE