Eating really requires some finesse; eating too fast is unhealthy, and now research suggests eating too slowly is also bad, so it seems getting the timing just right isn't so easy.
Nutrition experts have long advised people that eating too quickly can lead to overeating and obesity. They say that chewing slowly and thoroughly is good for digestion and an effective way to prevent weight gain. However, a recent article on the US website "Yahoo! Women" points out that eating too slowly and for too long can also increase the risk of overeating.
Research has found that the longer a meal lasts, the more likely people are to have another drink or one more dessert, thus increasing the risk of overeating. Experts note that even when not hungry, sitting at the dining table increases the likelihood of eating more.
Experts suggest that a meal lasting 45 minutes is long enough to enjoy the food without overeating. To prevent eating too much, it's a good idea to time your meals and leave the table as soon as the 45 minutes are up. However, you shouldn't eat too quickly either; it's best to chew each bite about 20 times.