I'm doing research for a project at school. My topic is about lunch periods at my school being so short that kids have to "inhale" their food. What does eating too fast do to you? Can it make you sick?

Erin

It is unfortunate that your lunch periods are so short. You are right that people should take their time when they eat. Sometimes when we eat too fast, our stomachs can fill up too quickly and we feel sick. When we are able to eat at a normal pace, the stomach can empty and allow us to eat more food. This is a healthier way to eat and allows us to digest our food better.

Here's one more thing to consider: If you talk a lot at lunch time, it can cause a lot of air to build up in your stomach and make you feel sick. Also, it is nearly impossible to chew and swallow food when you are talking, so try cutting back on your lunch-room chats so you have more time to eat your food. If you and your friends still find your lunch periods are too short to eat properly, ask your parents and teachers if they can do anything to lengthen your lunch break so you don't have to "inhale" your food. Good luck!