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For nearly three decades, the “slow food” movement has been spreading its message of locally-grown food, and food prepared in a traditional manner -- or at least prepared from scratch.

At its most basic, “slow food” is about taking your time with your food, and enjoying it. Slow food isn’t just about locally-supported agriculture and sitting down with the family for dinner. It can also enhance aspects of your life, including your health and your relationships.

Slow Food and Your Health

One of the biggest benefits to the idea of slow food is in the area of health. Processed and packaged foods are usually higher in sodium and sugars, and can be quite unhealthy. Fast food is also notoriously unhealthy.

Preparing your own foods, using ingredients that are as natural as possible, gets rid of the chemicals, additives, and extras present in much of what you buy pre-made. As a result, you have foods that are better for you to begin with.

Not only that, but slow food also emphasizes taking your time with the food and enjoying it. Studies indicate that when you eat quickly, your body doesn’t have time to signal that you are full. It’s easier to overeat when you eat fast. Eating slower can give you time to register that you are full, and savoring your food makes it a better experience. Exercise portion control and eat slower, and you’ll reduce your caloric intake and enjoy your meals more.

Slow Food and Your Relationships

You can also improve your relationships with the help of the slow food mindset. When you sit around a table with your loved ones and take the time to talk and enjoy the food, you are building lasting memories and creating tighter bonds.

There are indications that families that eat at least one meal together have stronger bonds, and that the children are more likely to do well in school and avoid getting into trouble with drugs and other risky behaviors. You can forge lasting bonds with others when you take the time to prepare meals together, and then sit down and eat together.

Slow food offers a number of benefits, since it forces you to consider your dietary choices, and it encourages you to slow down in your life and take the time to enjoy the company of those closest to you. Before you get too caught up in the hurly-burly of life, and before your health is destroyed by processed and packaged foods, consider adding elements of the slow food movement to your lifestyle. You might be surprised by the results.