Slow down, take the time to eat...

Anyone who has ever visited France or worked there would definitely agree with that: French love their food and they take the time to enjoy it!
When we eat in France it is not out of pure necessity: it is a real pleasure! Each of the 3 meals is important.

1. People take lunch breaks at work of at least 30 min, usually about 45 min, and they very rarely eat at their desk (that is NOT normal). 
2. They also take the time to have a full meal (it is rare for them to grab a sandwich or quick salad), I mean at least a 2 course meal: a hot plate, or a real full size salad filled with protein and veggies, and a "dessert" (yogurt, fruit, both,..). Almost all big corporations have a very nice cafeteria where you have the choice between plenty of appetizers (most of these being raw veggies), healthy hot meals (a selection of fish and meat, and sides), cheese/yogurts, desserts (fruits, or sometime cakes ;)
3. They love company when they eat: it is really a time to share stories and connect with your closed ones/colleagues or even a time to make new acquaintances. Similar like when you go to bars in the US, just way healthier ;) One interesting note: they like to talk about food when they eat, which is actually a healthy habit as it helps stimulate the brain captors and send the signal to the body in order to engage the full metabolism.

So yes, whether at home, at work, or outside, french people do take the time to eat their meal.

So what are the benefits of eating slow(er)? Because time is precious and it is not like if we are swimming in abundance here... Actually the return on investment for your mental and physical health is undoubtedly worth it.

1. Eat Slow to Eat Less - It is usually the first reason invoked. If you eat too fast you do not leave time to the brain to send the signal of satiety. Our brain first needs time to receive the signals from the stomach to inform it that we are eating, and then it is said that it needs about 20 minutes to make us feel that we have eaten enough. This is also interesting as some people expedite their meal when on a diet because they feel guilty eating, while this is actually what makes one gain fat/weight.
2. Eat slow to improve digestion - The digestion process starts in the mouth, with the action of the saliva (1). Taking the time to masticate prevents stomach irritation and helps transit, as otherwise you will ask for the stomach to do most of the work. A good mastication also prevents bloating as it minimises the quantity of air ingested with our food. Good mastication + calm, 2 factors to improve digestion.
3. Eat slow to "meditate" and reduce stress - Focus on the present time, the different tastes, textures, smells, the various sensations. In meditation we call this full awareness. Since we have to eat, why not use those 30 minutes to make them a oasis of serenitude during our busy days? Turn off your TV, put away your phone or computer and turn your attention on your plate. You will find yourself a lot less stressed that way.
4. Eat slow to connect with your closed ones - Meditation is OK when you eat alone, but if at home or at a restaurant/cafeteria this is not the best time. However it is a GREAT time to setup good and healthy family practices (and teach this to your kids who will later reproduce them) by spending time together. Whether you are with your loved ones, friends, family, colleagues, it is the occasion to ask about how they are doing between mouthfuls. Laughs, complicity and trust are easily developed this way.

Points 1. and 2. are actually proven to be linked with obesity. So next time you eat with somebody who just seems to be taking his/her sweet little (TOO MUCH!) time, take a deep breath, relax, realize that he or she has it right and take him/her as an example :) I am telling you will find it a lot more enjoyable, and will put a lot more attention this way on what you put on your plate --> a great way to eat healthy.


(1) Amidon based food (e.g. bread, pasta,...) for instance, are half digested with the action of the saliva if you take the proper time.