Do You Have Chopsticks Phobia?

Does the mere thought of trying to pick up a piece of ginger beef with a pair of chopsticks make you reach for a knife and fork? You may have consecotaleophobia, or “fear of chopsticks.” To find out why so many people have trouble using chopsticks, researchers working for Uncle Ben’s developed the “Uncle Ben’s Chopstick Equation.” This mathematical formula is designed to help you calculate your comfort level with different types of food that can be picked up with chopsticks. It does so by looking at factors such as the diameter of the food, and the number of seconds it takes to raise the food to your mouth.

Once you’ve calculated your chopsticks comfort level with different types of food, you can practice on the foods you’re most comfortable with, and gradually work your way up to more difficult items. Of course, eating with chopsticks is much easier once you know how to hold and use them properly. Here are simple steps showing how to use chopsticks.