Americans view eating as a quick task, a means of "fueling up," rather than an experience to be savored, unlike their European counterparts in France or Italy, according to the OECD's Society at a Glance report. A survey published in Appetite magazine further highlights this difference, showing that Americans typically finish lunch in just 11 to 14 minutes. This rapid pace contrasts sharply with the 22 minutes spent by Japanese diners or the nearly 30 minutes enjoyed by Italians.

Paul Rozin, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania who has studied this behavior for 40 years, attributes the difference primarily to the education system.

In American elementary schools, lunch breaks last only 20 to 30 minutes, including time spent queuing for food. This forces children to eat quickly to gain time for playground activities. Conversely, French children typically enjoy two-hour lunch breaks, allowing them to eat leisurely and socialize with friends, fostering a relaxed approach to meals from a young age.

Photo: Pexels

This lifestyle persists into adulthood for many Americans. A typical office worker often has only a 30-minute lunch break. A 2022 survey revealed that 62% of office employees eat at their desks in less than 15 minutes. Even younger generations tend to eat dinner early and quickly to make time for other activities, whereas in Europe, dinner often starts late and extends until 21:00.

Furthermore, the unique tipping culture in the United States contributes to this accelerated pace. American service staff primarily depend on tips, typically 15 to 25% of the bill, rather than a fixed basic salary. Consequently, they are incentivized to encourage guests to eat quickly, ensuring a rapid turnover of tables to maximize their income. Customers who linger too long after finishing their meal might be perceived as impolite, as it impacts the server's potential earnings. In contrast, European restaurant staff receive a fixed salary, eliminating the pressure to rush diners.

This cultural distinction often makes American tourists easily identifiable when traveling abroad. Alex Francis, owner of a restaurant in Paris, France, observes that American customers tend to focus on "consumption," eating rapidly with their forks and rarely pausing between courses.

A 34-year-old woman from Seattle recounted her "culture shock" experience while traveling in Europe. She felt superfluous and restless during a two-hour meal with nothing to do, even constantly checking her phone to track time.

The habit of eating quickly, combined with 60% of calorie intake coming from ultra-processed foods, is leading to various health repercussions. Leana Heinberg, a nutritionist at Cleveland Clinic, warns that the brain requires approximately 20 minutes to register satiety signals. Eating too rapidly can cause the body to consume 20 to 30% more calories than necessary. She advises individuals to incorporate "pauses" during meals, put down their phones, and chew food more thoroughly to rediscover the enjoyment of eating.

By Ngoc Ngan (Source: Huffpost)