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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My favorite snack is carrots and guacamole. It’s easy for me because I buy the pre-made guac in the 100 calorie packs. I find only have a set amount of guacamole slows me down because I limit myself to only one pack and know that when I finish the guacamole I’m done snacking.
One of my favorite snacks is a piece of gluten free toast with a laughing cow wedge. So simple but so delicious!!
One trick I read on a blog (I think Fannetastic) is to close your eyes while you are eating and really taste every bite. My favorite snack lately is Greek yogurt with nut butter, honey, and granola/cereal for crunch.
I try to drink a lot of water while I snack because it slows me down and fills me up. I don’t even know I could pick a favorite snack – I love all snacks!
I haven’t thought about it up until now…but one way of slowing down and enjoying the (snacking) moment is to share it with someone. Having a snack, and maybe a glass of wine too ;), with a friend or significant other makes me focus on the experience, the conversation, AND the flavors all at once. Favorite snack, hands down: whole wheat tortilla in the toaster oven, then spread with natural peanut butter (it tastes even better after a super sweaty Pure Barre workout – woo hoo for LTBing in Charlotte!)
I’m such a fast eater too! If I’m at a meal with other people, I try and have conversation in between bites. That way I’m not just scarfing down my meal, but I’m also enjoying a great experience with friends and family!
My favorite way to make myself savor food is to actually set it out on the table and sit down! Plus if I pour myself a glass of wine it helps it feel a lot more special 🙂
I am a super fast eater too! I try to drink water in between bites to slow myself down. I feel your fast paced pain!
Favorite snack is dried fruit + nuts b/c I can keep it in my desk. I also typically enjoy it with a cup of tea. Maybe just me, but easier to stop and think about food when it’s an excuse to press pause on your desk job 🙂
My favorite snack lately is a hard boiled egg.
My new favorite snack is sliced bananas and mixed berries topped with chopped cashews and a drizzle of coconut milk. It’s sweet, salty and creamy!
Savoring snack time has changed with a 8 month old! He makes me savor it by taking a bite, chasing after him, then another bite after he’s wrangled away from whatever he manages to get himself into! Lately, it’s been our dog bowls!
I am a fast eater too. The key is to sit down at a table and eat. My favorite snack right now is homemade apple sauce with plain greek yogurt! Yum!
I’m actually a super slow eater and am typically the last person eating. For some reason salads tend to take me extra long to eat! We sit down at the table to have dinner together each night and it’s when we catch up on our days and talk about upcoming activities – it works for us! My favorite snack is guacamole and veggies or an apple and peanut butter!
My favorite snack is carrots and ranch with a side of crackers and cheese!
My husband and I eat so fast that when we go out we take time between ordering each course and keep a menu on our table.
My favorite snack is often rice cakes with peanut butter but I think I might start switching things up with Laughing Cow Cheese now too. My trick for slowing down is to schedule a 15 minute snack break on crazy days at work so I can actually step away from my desk.
I definitely am in the speed eating club, to the point I’m embarrassed of how quickly I finish things! I actually follow two of the rules you posted – putting my fork down between each bite, and enjoying a cup of hot tea with my snack! Sipping tea between bites definitely helps me slow down and think about what I’m eating – and most of all enjoy it!
My favorite snack is either an apple or if I’m feeling decadant, a Quest bar. I always cut up the apple so it takes longer to eat too.
Peanut butter with banana!
My favorite snacks are a banana with almond butter and roasted veggies! I also have a had time “enjoying” my meal and find myself standing at the kitchen island eating more often than not. Actually sitting down definitely helps!
As far as snacks go, I am currently on an apple + pb kick — it’s an oldie but a goodie!! Thanks, Julie!
I try to put down my fork between bites but I still end up eating too fast sometimes! I also try to practice mindful eating and really taste and chew every bite!
I try to turn off the TV and the computer and sit with my boyfriend and chat while we eat. Otherwise, the eating becomes mindless!
Sometimes I’ll actually eat richer foods on purpose, knowing that I will slow down and enjoy it. If my brain deems something “healthy,” I don’t necessarily stop. Almonds are good, but it’s probably not a good idea to eat the whole tin.
Total side point, but how amazing does that cable knit throw look?!
I got really sick last summer and could only eat really slowly and take really small bites. Since then I think I’ve managed to slow down my always-a-race eating habit. I don’t recommend it though… 😉
my favorite snack lately is greek yogurt topped with frozen berries and granola!
Trying to help my husband slow down during meals!
We are working on this together. Flavorful meals and snacks help to savor each bite.
My husband and I always turn off the TV and sit at the table to eat. This way we have no distractions and spend time catching up with each other instead of scarfing down our food mindlessly!
I try to avoid eating foods out of the packages.
I have to make sure to step away from electronic devices and sit down! Otherwise, mindless snacking for sure.
I tend to believe I’m good at pacing myself while eating. However I also believe that looking up during my meal distracts myself from eating too quickly.
My favorite snack is apples + peanut (or almond) butter + dark chocolate chips on top
I cut my food into smaller pieces, which really has helped me to slow down my eating. I’m also a speed-eater, and I’m definitely going to try some of your tips!
My favorite snack is the classic, banana slices with almond butter 🙂
I’m also a super fast eater! I’ve also tried putting down my fork or spoon between bites so I eat slightly slower. And my go to snack is always a piece of cheese!
I love making homemade granola bars with almond butter, honey, craisins, oats, and quinoa for an on-the-go snack
My favorite snack lately has been apples with just about anything…string cheese, almond butter, or nuts to name a few. I think trying it with the laughing cow cheese would be fun!
My favorite snack is hummus enjoyed with either pretzels or baby carrots. Delish! Great examples in your blog post! Thanks and I can’t wait to try them!
My tip is to focus only on what I am eating and not be doing something else at the same time!
My favorite snack is cottage cheese, cheese & crackers, or cereal! Like you said in your post, I usually try to take my snacks and sit down (especially if I am feeling super snacky, to where I think I could polish off an entire box of something if I’m standing up). If I sit down, with an actual dish, and make it a purposeful snack, I am usually less snacky and actually enjoy what I’m eating!
Picking up the house while dinner is cooking. If everything looks clean and organized, I feel better about not rushing through a meal thinking of things I “have to do.” Cleaning the kitchen as I cook helps too. Looking at a dirty kitchen and pile of dishes makes me rush thru my meals to tackle the disaster.
I’m almost always game to have popcorn as a snack.
I come from a family of food inhalers Julie! We joke that we slave all day prepping for thanksgiving dinner and it’s over in ten minutes! Putting the fork down in between bites is a great tip I use to savor my food!
Plain Greek yogurt mixed with peanut butter and honey as a dip with apples 🙂
This has to be one your BEST giveaways! My favorite snack as of late has been Sabra hummus with pretzel thins, yum.
My favorite snack is Dale’s Raw Foods Protein Bar the Carrot Cake flavour
I am also a fast eater, and try to slow down my eating by making sure I am drinking water between bites! It seems to help.. most of the time!
It’s amazing how the true meaning of a meal changes when you can stop and enjoy it and the company around you. It’s hard after a long day not to turn the TV on and zone out but its so worth it. My favorite snack is anything with cheese, really 🙂 (now that I am pregnant bring on the cheese!) I am a huge fan of Laughing Cow!
My favorite snack lately has been crackers with cheese! Or the go-to spoonful of PB 🙂