HAPILABS fork concept render and spec list (via HAPILABS)
I love taking my time when I eat. I savor every bite and eat at such a slow pace, my parents used to tell me to eat faster. I am glad I did not listen to them, because according the company HAPILABS, and numerous studies concerning eating speeds, my slow eating habits have enhanced my digestion, optimized the satisfaction from eating adequate portions and kept my weight steady throughout college. These are precisely the goals of a new invention coming out of HAPILABS, called the HAPIfork, being demonstrated at this years CES in Las Vegas.
In the quest to put everything on the internet and use digital sensors to get healthy, the HAPIfork is a smart utensil, meaning that it collects information about your eating habits so that you can track your speed and optimize digestion, satisfaction and lose weight in the process. HAPIfork tracks the start and end time of each meal, counts how many bites or “fork servings” you take per minute and per meal and the duration of each “fork serving” interval. It could also help you remember not to eat too late at night because that is also not good for digestion.
Internal printed circuits connect the metal fork and the handle to the processor and internal memory to determine when you put the fork into your mouth. An indicator light shines green to tell you when you are eating at a health pace, or it turns red and the handle vibrates when your bites are too frequent.
The fork is not much bulkier than a regular travel utensil; the sturdy and durable contraption weights 0.14lbs. It comes in 5 colors, blue, green, black, white and pink and all the components can be taken apart for cleaning.
Under a cap, at the end of the HAPIfork, is a USB connection that allows you to transfer all your collected data to you personal account online. This dashboard allows you to assess your information and even share it with friends and family for motivation and support.
Android and iOS apps are available to track your habits from anywhere you go. HAPILABS is releasing USB HAPIforks during Q2 2013, but a Bluetooth version will come out in Q3. Using the app you can add pictures and comments to your data. The online interface and mobile app also allow users to keep track of sleep patterns and workout goals.
The $99 HAPIfork includes a 21-day training guide to healthy eating habits, an online coaching program with tips on eating and making balanced meals and soon an online social game designed to motivate implementation of these healthy habits. The US and France will see HAPIforks in 2013, the rest of the world will have to wait till 2014. By the way, HAPIspoon will be released shortly after the HAPIfork.
Eating slower helps enhance digestion, improve how you feel after a meal, reduce weight and decreases the chance for gastric reflux. The feeling of satisfaction comes 20 minutes after a meal so the faster you eat the more you will eat without feeling full. Numerous studies have been done studying the effects of eating speed. They can be accessed at slowcontrol.com.
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