You unwrap a Big Mac. You blink. It’s gone.
This isn’t just lack of willpower – it’s food engineering. A new study presented at the American Society for Nutrition conference found that softer, ultra-processed foods make us eat more.
What the Study Found: Participants who ate softer textures (like white bread and creamy spreads) consumed an extra 369 calories per day than those eating firmer foods (like celery, apples, or whole grains). Same portions. Same foods. Just different textures.
Here’s why it matters:
- Softer food = less chewing = faster eating
- Faster eating = less fullness = overeating
The folks eating crunchier, chewier versions lost nearly a pound in two weeks and felt just as full.
The Takeaway: Eat more foods that require effort. Crunch, chew, and let your brain catch up. Think grilled chicken over mushy patties. Raw carrots over pretzels. Celery over chips.
And bonus: More chewing supports better digestion, jaw strength, sleep quality (seriously), and yes – better poops.
To your health!
Derek Opperman
Chief Wellness Officer at LifeUP
“I help parents reclaim their energy — not just physically, but emotionally too. Because when you feel better, everything in your life lights up: your parenting, your patience, your purpose. My approach is about small changes that ripple out into big transformation.”
