Gold star for slow and steady

When I was in kindergarten, we were allotted an hour for lunchtime. Of course, that included eating your lunch and running off to play with your friends. Me, it usually took more than an hour to just finish my sandwich and apple juice box.

I was so slow that the teacher made up an extra column for me on the sticker chart. (You know, gold stars for good behaviour etc.) I got a sticker (of my choice!) every time I socked back my lunch within the hour.

I’ve improved moderately since then, but maybe I was on to something.

A study out of Osaka University last week found that people who ate quickly and until they felt full were three times more likely to be overweight than those who don’t.

I’m buoyed by this news, as my coffee is often cold by the time I finish breakfast and countless friends have been left to watch me slowly finish my plate long after theirs are done.

But I do enjoy my meals. And these days, isn’t it worth it to slow down and give yourself just a little extra time to savour what’s in front of you?