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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Lately I’ve been loving fall themed snacks! Mixing pumpkin purée with laughing cow for a pumpkin dip that goes with everything. Yum!
My favorite snack are carrots and hummus as well as an apple with peanut or almond butter!
Great giveaway!! My favorite tip to slow down and savor my meals is to drink water between each bite so I can tell when my body is full rather than scarf everything down too quickly.
My boyfriend fusses at about eating too quickly all the time. He’s convinced it makes my stomach hurt! My favorite snack is apples and peanut butter or yogurt and granola!
I am the queen of eating fast and standing up at the counter, too! What I do is put my fork down, remind myself to chew, drink water between bites, and also cutting up my food (like cutting up an apple instead of eating it whole)! I love apples and peanut or almond butter and carrots and hummus!
My favorite snack is definitely apple slices with almond butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon! It really seems to hit the spot, and is quite nice with a cup of tea.
Favorite snack for sure is PB and banana.
I’m usually the first one done eating too. Seems I just can’t help myself – I just have to devour my food especially when it tastes so good :). I have no tricks to slow down :(. And unfortunately my snacks are pretty boring as they usually consist of an apple and some peanut butter. This is an awesome giveaway … Thanks for the chance to win!
I try to put my fork down in between, but easier said than done. I eat super fast!
I am guilty of rushing through most meals. But I like the idea if making a snack look pretty on a plate and taking my time instead of mindlessly eating
I do my best to drink plenty of water while I eat. This helps to slow snack time down!
That blanket looks so cozy!! My favorite snack is pretty much any veggie with hummus.
To savor my snacks I do not eat in the car. I’m always on the go and it’s easy to mindlessly eat while driving.
My favorite snack is peanut butter with applesauce and cinnamon ! My tip is to actually use a bowl or plate instead of eating straight out of the peanut butter jar !!
I love snacks that naturally take longer to eat, like pistachios or frozen grapes!
That’s an amazing giveaway! I do a lot of variety with my snacks, but right now my favorite is red grapes and pumpkin spiced pumpkin seeds from Trader Joes!
drink water first!!
I drink water between every few bites!
I also try to sit down while I eat, it encourages me to take more time to enjoy the meal. My go to snack is typically a Greek yogurt or veggies with hummus!
My favorite snacks are usually an apple or banana with peanut butter, a Larabar, or pumpkin yogurt (Chobani’s is good but I also make my own).
Lately I have been really craving all things dipped in hummus!
One trick I use is to prolong snack and meal time is to take a drink of water between every single bite. I think you hit most of the other ideas though!
I usually try to plate my snack if I’m home so that I remind myself to eat slower and savor it. If I’m at work I try to turn away from my desk or task at hand to get a mini-break!
I agree about avoiding sitting by a screen while enjoying snacks! I will sit by a window or read a book so I am in a totally relaxed state and can eat slower. Also sometimes if I am making a snack like cheese on crackers I will make each individually which makes me focus on the whole process and not rush through 5 crackers at once. Love your blog!
I’ve had the same problem (since I was 19 and dated a fast eater). I take sips of drink in between bites and try to enjoy conversation when I’m with people.
It sounds silly, but I really try to focus on chewing and savor ing each bite, and taking time to drink between bites
I usually have to put away all distractions- my phone, computer, etc. and just allow myself to sit. Sadly, it’s a lot harder than it sounds.
2 boiled eggs with the yolks scooped out and replaced with hummus
Because of work, I am constantly on the run and unfortunately, this translates to my meals too. So I have been working hard lately to spend more time enjoying my meals, not only so I can savor what I eat but also eat less by being mindful. I try to use four senses each time I eat a snack, especially my favorite snack: apples with The Laughing Cow Creamy Light Swiss: Spreadable Cheese. When I look at an apple, I notice it’s color, lines, dots. I then close my eyes and feel it (smooth edges, bruises, etc) Then I smell it and try to think of where it came from, and finally I bite into it slowly as if it were the last apple on the planet – and when I spread the cheese on top and notice the contrast between crunchy and creamy – BEST APPLE I HAVE EVER HAD! It sounds like such a big process but it’s worth it! It’s really made me more mindful of what I eat and what I put in my body!
When I am at home, I always eat my snacks in the dining room. There is no TV or distractions in there and it makes even a plate of hummus and carrots feel a little fancy.
Awesome giveaway!! I could happily live in lulu leggings for the rest of my life! My tip for savoring my snack is when I’m with friends I’ll keep pace with whoever I’m eating with. That way I’m engaged in conversation and I enjoy my food more! (I do this with my Starbucks coffee too!)
Yum those snacks look delicious! I also like spreading that laughing cow on rice cakes, or taking a rice cake and adding peanut butter and some slices of banana. I try to slow down my meals but making sure I am drinking lots of water!
I am a fast eater, too. I try to always sit down with others when I eat. I don’t want to be the first one done so it slows me down a bit.
My tip is to eat your second favorite snack. I find myself eating quickly when I love what I’m eating a little TOO much. Find that second favorite snack that you enjoy but maybe don’t want to inhale.
Great tips! I try to drink sips of water as I eat. Slows me down and fills me up. Favorite snack is a date or two stuffed with almond butter. It’s like candy!!
When I’m eating something really delicious, I force myself to slow down by reminding myself that the faster I eat it, the faster it will be gone 🙁 haha! Drinking water between bites helps a lot too.
This prize is amazing!
I am just like you, as i eat super fast and often don’t even ENJOY eating! Having dealt with an eating disorder, one of the thing I had to ”re-learn” (and I’m still learning) is the joy of eating! That eating is supposed to be fun and relaxing and a good moment to connect with your body. What works for me is to first, sit down for every meal or snack. I am guilty of eating standing up and it always leads to me eating too much or not being satisfied with what i had prepared. I also try to turn off my computer/TV and step away from my phone for the time i eat. I have trouble with that to be honest, but I’m trying my best everyday. On another note, I have to say that I love the Laughing Cow for snacks! So versatile and quick, it has been a staple in my fridge for a while now! To think that I HATED the stuff growing up, I seriously don’t understand haha
Awesome giveaway Julie btw! Love everything about it 🙂
I try to snack before I’m insanely hungry because, otherwise, I shovel everything in my mouth that’s in site. One of my favorite snacks right now are the Wasa crackers with low fat cream cheese spread on them with some organic Trader Joe’s Jam on top. I usually eat 3 of these crackers, and it’s perfect to hold me over for awhile.
This giveaway is absolutely amazing. Thanks so much for the opportunity!!
To slow down I make a snack that involves cutting and a plate. My favorite snack this fall is apple slices and peanut butter!
Lik
Pushed “post” too soon! Plating snacks makes a big difference for me — instead of grazing from the bag or fridge. Thanks for the great giveaway!
What a great topic because I’m so guilty of all of this! I have made a conscious effort to drink a glass of water before my snack so I am full quicker, as well as cut my snack into smaller pieces to make more bites that last longer. Both of these small tactics help me not over indulge in snack time!
Anything that is a two step process helps me eat slower and be more conscious. I love dipping veggies in hummus or celery and apple slices in peanut butter!
My friends call me Snacks so naturally I could offer you a lot of options 🙂 My favorite snack ever though is apples and peanut butter. Also really love plain greek yogurt with either a banana or protein powder mixed in! My tip is to read a book while eating. I get into the book and forget to eat!
I use the snack+hot tea/coffee trick all the time! Or sparkling water 🙂
If I’m out with friends I try to pace myself with theslowest person at the table. It reminds me to enjoy the company I’m with.
I am also a fast eater. I always drink a full glass of water before eating. The water fills you up and you eat less. My favorite snack is a cut up apple with PB2 peanut butter. Great give a way. Thank you , Julie
To slow down during meals, I make myself put my fork down between each bite and chew and swallow my food before taking the next bite.
My absolute favorite snack that I eat every single day (mid-morning even on wknds!) is greek yogurt (any flavor) with homemade granola!! I always look forward to eating right it because, even though it’s a daily snack, it always seems like a treat 🙂
I love baby carrots with peanut butter or a crisp apple. Yogurt is fantastic too!
I am very guilt of electronic usage while eating, it’s the worst thing to do! I’ve been trying to cut down and focus more on the flavors of what I’m eating.