{HMW} Why that first bite always tastes better than the last
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Dear Reader, Remember that iconic Alka-Seltzer commercial? "I can't believe I ate the whole thing." Most of us have been there, eating past fullness, maybe even past pleasure, knowing exactly how we'll feel later but somehow unable to stop in the moment. There's actually a biological reason this happens. Your body has built-in mechanisms designed to help you know instinctively when to stop eating—but when we eat quickly or distractedly, we completely bypass them. Here are 5 reasons why eating slowly changes everything: The Cephalic Phase of Digestion - What happens before you even take a bite The Pleasure Principle - Why your brain needs satisfaction to signal fullness Sensory-Specific Satiety - The reason that first bite always tastes better than the last Better Digestion and Nutrient Absorption - What stress does to your digestive system Helps Temper Overeating - The 20-minute rule you've heard about (and why it actually matters) Want the full breakdown on each of these? I am diving deep into the biology and psychology behind eating behaviors on my next Monthly Mindful Lounge for VIP , Just One More Bite with Jenny Berk subscribers. No diet culture, no restriction—just practical insights that help you understand the "why" behind your eating patterns so you can work with your body instead of against it.
Have it: Interesting article alert: 11 Subtle Signs of Inflammation I just recently learned that I'm actually an Otrovert. Not the Ambivert I thought I was. Made it: What did the '90s smell like to you? This week's 5-Senses Sunday: nostalgia, movie soundtracks that outlived their films, and the audacity of fake purple. Read this week's 5-Senses Sunday here! Want it: I'm so down for going out clubbing from 5-10pm and in bed by 11pm latest! Similarly, I'm loving this trend of a wellness oriented "Daylife" instead of a nightlife. Where are all my other early-to-bed folks? 👋 Ingredient Spotlight: KumQuats If you've never tried a kumquat, here's what makes them different from every other citrus you've encountered: you eat the whole thing, peel and all. The skin is actually the sweet part, while the flesh delivers that familiar citrus tang. It's a fun little flavor reversal that makes them genuinely interesting to eat. They're high in fiber and vitamin C, plus you get some of the beneficial compounds found in citrus peels that we usually don't eat. If you're new to kumquats: rinse them, remove any stems, and eat them whole. Some people like to gently roll them between their fingers first to release the oils and soften them slightly. If the seeds bother you, you can slice them and pick the seeds out, but they're edible. 13 Chefs on their Favorite Ways to Cook Kumquats Announcements & Upcoming: If life has felt loud, overwhelming, or too much—this is your gentle pause. Sweet On Me: Candy Heart Conversations for Self-Love & Care is a free summit happening February 12th–14th, created to feel safe, calming, and supportive. I’ll be offering a talk called: Think slow sips, deep breaths, and reminders that you’re allowed to rest. Extra Bytes: What I'm Reading: The Booklover's Library by Madeline Martin What I'm Watching: The Night Manager What I'm Listening to: Midlife by Design Podcast What I'm Eating: Tofu Shawarma Bowls quinoa tabouli, tzatziki That's it for me this week. I hope you all have a happy and healthy hump day! Warmly, Jenny |