hungry?

I was reading my notes on Biopharmaceutics - Okay it's a module in my Pharmacy degree. Anyway, it was thought provoking. It teaches us how oral drugs (medicines that are swallowed) are got down into our intestines faster for absorption. Then, I remembered that during Chinese New Year, some of my friends lost weight instead of gaining them. So, you know who you are ;) You have till this Sunday (last day of CNY - Chap Goh Meh - 15th Night) to go try to gain back those weight! Here are my tips and secrets on how to stuff yourself silly during the CNY 8th course meals/buffets:

1. Walk as much as you can - take the longest route from your table to the food counter, make a detour to the toilet (or detour to the toilet first and only to the food counter), and back to your table - stimulates more movement in your gut - better digestion!

2. Chew on your food properly! Otherwise food will spend a much longer time in your tummy. Chew even if it takes you 30 seconds on each mouthful!

3. Eat less starchy foods like breads. They can absorb water/liquid and expand in your stomach.

4. Fast yourself before the buffet. Food digests faster from an empty stomach. Also if your stomach is full in the first place, the stomach acidity will increase (not so acidic on a full stomach).

5. If you need to drink anything, drink before eating! And it is best if you drink a lot, and not just a few sips. On an empty stomach, water in larger volumes empties from the stomach faster. Then give yourself about 10 minutes or so before starting on your buffet.

6. Eat buffets in the mornings. It is better to have heavy meals in the morning rather than in the evening - due to some hormonal and circadian effects.

7. Eat less fatty food. Fatty foods need longer time to digest/empty from the stomach.

8. Stand up while having your buffet. Doubt any of you will try this ;)

9. If you will be eating in high class hotels/restaurants, then try to avoid no. 8 for your sake and just lean to the person on your left! Yes, food can empty from the stomach easier/faster that way - it's all due to the position of your stomach and the effects of gravity.

10. Eat hot/warm food - not cold ones. Kids, when your parents say no ice cream first, listen to them! And it's nonsense to start your buffet with the desserts! Your stomach will empty better if the food consumed are fresh from the pan/oven/wok/whatever.


Alright those are my 10 best tips! So try them next time when you are in the mood for food! No use eating when you are feeling down. So only have buffets with family and friends and when there is a reason to celebrate! Hope these helps! Go surprise your friends by showing them how many plates you can gobble down!

Care to share your tips?


Disclaimer - If you have stomachache, don't come after me. Eating less is always best. Concretequarters never promote food wastage and eating meals meant for more than 5 people. Eat substantially. Many others don't share the same luxury.