Slow Down, Eat Less, Enjoy Your Food More
By Sandy Schroeder
Many of us let distractions keep us from completely enjoying our meals. If you can relate, you may eat in front of the TV or computer, while you drive, or alone during the day or evening.
How you eat can turn out to be as important as what you eat.
EasyHealthOptions.com took a look at chewing, digestion, and speed of eating to give us some suggestions to enjoy our meals more, boost our health and avoid digestion issues.
I thought about the meals that I have enjoyed the most and they were all family or friend suppers where favorite foods and lingering conversations made the meal a pleasure.
It Starts With Chewing
Chewing thoroughly boosts energy, eases digestion and maximizes the value of your food's nutrients. The digestive process begins in the mouth as food is broken down and the enzymes in saliva break down starches and fats. The smaller the particles, the better the digestive tract can extract nutrition from them and keep digestion working well.
More Reasons to Eat Slowly and Chew More
Take a look at what can happen.
Weight loss is easier - When you chew thoroughly and eat slowly the brain has a chance to catch up and supply the feeling of fullness. As you eat leisurely you will eat less and enjoy the food more as you really taste each bite.
Digestion is easier - If you eat fast and chew less the digestive system may not supply enough enzymes to break down the food and heartburn, bloating or diarrhea may create problems.
How to Make It All Work
Eating slowly and chewing more sounds simple, but old habits and daily demands may cloud the issue. Here are some tips to help.
- Pick high fiber fruits and vegetables that take more time to chew
- Don't eat while in front of the TV or computer, or while you are on the phone
- Try for family meals minus electronics; serve family favorites and just enjoy the meal and the conversation
- Allow plenty of time for meals during the day and the evening
- Break the meal up with soup or salad followed by the main course and finished with dessert
- Do your best to let go of tensions and worries and just focus on the moment
Whatever you do to be more aware of how you eat will probably help you and your family enjoy your meals more.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Universal City, Tex.