Our lifestyle habits have a bigger impact on our weight journey than we may realize. Things like what kind of food we eat, how much we work out and how healthy our habits is does make a difference. A new study has found habits that are a game changer for those who want to lose weight. These habits may seem inconsequential or unimportant, but the study shows how much it impacts our health Published in the journal Nutrients, the study provides concrete evidence that how you eat can be just as crucial as what you eat when it comes to managing weight and preventing overeating. Researchers found that taking smaller bites, chewing more, and listening to slow music can significantly lengthen meal duration, which in turn can lead to reduced food and calorie intake. Why Should You Eat Slower? In the study, each participant ate four small pizza slices under varying conditions, including listening to different metronome rhythms (40, 80, or 160 beats per minute) or no music. Researchers meticulously measured meal duration, number of bites, number of chews, and chewing speed. Researchers found three things: On average, female participants took about 4.5 bites to finish a pizza slice, compared to 2.1 bites for men. Women also chewed an average of 107 times during their meal, while men chewed 80 times. Consequently, women's meals averaged 87 seconds, versus 63 seconds for men. The study found a direct correlation between meal duration and the number of bites and chews, with the sex of the person. Smaller bites and more chewing led to longer meals, while larger bites and fewer chews resulted in shorter ones. Participants who listened to slow metronome rhythms at 40 bpm consistently took more time to finish their meals. What Are Some Important Tips To Follow? Smaller Bites Help You Feel Full When you take smaller bites, you eat slower. This gives your body more time (about 20 minutes) to realize it's full. By slowing down, you're less likely to overeat because your body gets the signal it's had enough food. Chewing More Slows You Down Chewing your food more also makes your meal last longer. If you chew more for each bite, you'll naturally eat less food over time. This extra chewing also helps your body release hormones that tell you you're full, preventing you from feeling hungry too soon. Music Can Calm Your Eating Calming, slow music during meals helps you take smaller bites and chew more. It creates a relaxed setting where you can focus on your food. This helps you notice when you're full and truly enjoy the taste, leading to slower and more mindful eating. How To Avoid Overeating? For people aiming to manage their weight or curb overeating, the core takeaway is clear: reduce the amount of food in each mouthful. Chew thoroughly, and avoid taking your next bite until you've completely finished the first. Aim for a meal duration of around 15 minutes. Beyond music, chewing, and smaller bites, simply being "in the moment" during meals can make a big difference. Pay attention to the sensory experience of your food – its taste, texture, and aroma. Remember, eating is not a race. The faster you eat, the more you tend to consume.