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Inflammation and mindful eating
Lower inflammation by mindful eating: slow down, chew thoroughly, be present, pray before you eat, engage your senses, and appreciate your meals.
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A Deeper Dive into Mindful Eating
Are you caught in the rapid-fire pace of life, wolfing down meals in between meetings or in front of the television? If so, it's time for a shift in how you interact with food. This change involves mindful eating, a practice that engages all senses, slows down the speed of consumption, and reconnects us with the nourishing properties of food.
Mindful eating is more than just a dietary trend or fad. It's about establishing a new, healthier relationship with food, not dominated by guilt or misconceptions but steered by awareness, gratitude, and satisfaction.
Slow Down and eat properly
We run through life and miss what's essential today. We hurry through tasks, and more often than not, this hurried pace extends to our eating habits.
I've seen my friends eat a pizza in a few minutes, hardly chewing the food. Most people gulp down food, neglecting to taste or chew properly. The first step towards mindful eating is SLOWING DOWN.
When you eat, take your time. Taste each bite, try to understand all the flavors, and appreciate the food journey from your plate to your mouth and down to your body. Slowing down the eating pace also allows the brain enough time to receive fullness signals, preventing overeating and promoting better digestion.
Chew Thoroughly
The digestive process begins in your mouth, not in the stomach, as most assume. Chewing breaks down food into smaller particles and mixes them with saliva, which starts digestion even before food reaches the stomach. By chewing thoroughly, you're aiding your digestive system and ensuring efficient nutrient absorption. HELP YOUR STOMACH. Chew properly.
Engage Your Senses
Mindful eating isn't just about tasting your food; it's about a complete sensory experience. Observe the color and texture of your food. Smell it. Feel its warmth or coolness. Every bite should engage your senses, which in turn can amplify satisfaction from meals and foster a sense of gratitude.
Eliminate Distractions
In this age, mealtimes often coincide with screen time. However, eating while distracted often leads to overeating and diminished meal enjoyment. To eat mindfully, create a calm environment free from distractions. Turn off the television or computer, set aside your phone, and focus entirely on eating. Can you go one meal without having the tv or phone on?
Avoid Drinking During Meals
Although it might be habitual for you to drink with your meal, drinking dilutes the digestive enzymes, complicating digestion. Hydrate well before meals and wait about an hour before eating before drinking again.
Prepare Your Body
The digestive process starts even before the first bite. The sight or smell of food can trigger your stomach to release digestive juices. Before diving into your meal, take a moment to appreciate the appearance and aroma of your food. This will enhance your sensory experience and prime your body for better digestion. For thousands of years, people have said prayers before meals. Every religion proposes it. Let's pay hommage and learn from ancient wisdom.
Conclusion
Mindful eating is a journey, not a destination. It's a continual process of learning, understanding, and responding to your body's needs. It's about making conscious food choices and deriving maximum enjoyment and nourishment from each meal. The path to mindful eating demands patience and persistence, but the rewards – improved digestion, better nutritional absorption, and a healthier relationship with food – are undoubtedly worth the effort.
Remember, there's no 'right' or 'wrong' way to eat mindfully. It's all about what works for you and helps you connect with your food more meaningfully and healthily. Give it a try; your body and mind will thank you.
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