Tag: Eating vs drinking

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the digestive process for solid food can take 24 to 72 hours, while liquids process much faster. This illustrates the fundamental differences of how is drinking different from eating.

The human body is over 60% water, yet the distinction between solid food and liquid drinks is fundamental to our diet and digestion. From a simple glass of water to a hearty soup, our nutrition comes in many forms, each with a unique impact on our health.

The human body can survive for weeks without food, but only a few days without water, highlighting the fundamental physiological need for these two forms of sustenance. While both eating and drinking are acts of consumption, they initiate unique processes within the body to fulfill different, critical needs for energy and hydration. This distinction goes far beyond the solid or liquid state of what we ingest.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, milk is a nutrient-dense food that provides essential sustenance. This brings up an interesting and often debated question: does drinking milk count as eating? The answer lies in understanding the unique nutritional and physiological properties of this staple beverage, distinguishing it from simple liquids.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, liquid calories are often less satiating than solid calories, which is one key reason why drinking and eating are not the same thing. These two fundamental methods of consumption affect our bodies in distinct ways, from the moment they enter our mouths to how they are processed and absorbed by our digestive system.

In 1914, Campbell’s Tomato Soup was marketed as a beverage, sipped by fancy women in big hats, a clear sign that the perception of soup is not always straightforward. So, does soup count as eating or drinking? This seemingly simple question hides a deeper nutritional and contextual debate that impacts how we view this versatile meal.

According to a 2024 study, blending certain fruits can result in a lower blood sugar spike compared to eating the whole fruits. So, does a smoothie count as eating something? The answer is nuanced and depends largely on what's inside the glass.