I think what is happening is that you are trying to "force" the food down your throat instead of opening your throat and letting it go there on its own. I suspect what you are eating is far too dry to comfortably find its way to your throat.

In addition, keep a BOTTLE of water with you, and after you have chewed and the food is lazily making its way down your throat, take a good belt of water. Relax your throat muscles, make sure your food has enough moisture, and follow with water. Please note there is a huge difference (for me anyway) between drinking water from a bottle vs from a glass. When I drink from a glass the water just kind of hangs around my mouth, but drinking from a bottle actually delivers the water to the exact right spot. Give it a try.

Good luck.

Donna

(And yes, what you describe is a "survivor problem" , it is still a problem worthy of attention!!)