The Art of Eating Slow: Lessons from the French Philosophy of Food

Are you the first one to finish your meals at the table? Tsk Tsk, you need to slow it right down!

As per the French philosophy of mieux manger (better eating) and mieux vivre (better living) places food at the heart of life, not as a hurried necessity, but as a ritual of pleasure, mindfulness, and togetherness.

The French approach to food is more than cultural, it’s biological. Eating slowly supports digestion, weight balance, and energy, while turning each meal into an opportunity for joy and connection.

1. The Physiology of Eating Slowly

Digestion begins in the mouth. Chewing thoroughly doesn’t just break food down mechanically, it also activates enzymes in saliva (like amylase and lipase) that start the process of breaking down carbohydrates and fats. When we rush, we short-circuit this first crucial step, leaving our stomach to work harder.

Eating slowly also gives our hormones time to communicate with the brain. It takes about 20 minutes for the body to register satiety, the sense of fullness that tells us we’ve had enough. When we eat quickly, we often overshoot this window, leading to overeating. By pacing ourselves, we align with our body’s natural signals and end up eating the right amount for true nourishment.

2. The French Way: Meals as Rituals

In France, meals are never rushed. Lunch may stretch for an hour or more, and dinner often becomes an evening ritual. Food is eaten sitting down, shared with others, and always accompanied by conversation. This social rhythm naturally slows the pace of eating and brings mindfulness to every bite.

3. Quality Over Quantity

The French are famous for smaller portion sizes—but with a focus on better ingredients. Seasonal produce, artisanal bread, cheese, and thoughtfully prepared meals mean each bite is rich in flavour and satisfaction. When the food is good, there’s no need to pile the plate high.

4. Why Slowing Down Supports Gut Health

• Better digestion: Thorough chewing reduces bloating and indigestion.

• Enhanced nutrient absorption: Enzymes have more time to break food down, allowing your body to absorb vitamins and minerals efficiently.

• Balanced energy: Eating mindfully prevents spikes and crashes in blood sugar.

• Weight regulation: By allowing satiety hormones (like leptin) to catch up, you naturally avoid overeating.

5. How to Practice Slow Eating at Home

• Sit down at the table without distractions. No phone, no emails.

• Put your fork down between bites to naturally pace yourself.

• Chew more aim for 15–20 chews per mouthful to activate digestive enzymes.

• Start with gratitude for your meal, shifting your mindset into presence.

• Notice flavours and textures, like you would at a wine tasting.

• Stretch mealtime to at least 20 minutes to give your body time to register fullness.

We believe food should be celebrated, not rushed. Next time you sit down to eat, remember, slowing down is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to nourish both body and soul.