Meals have changed over the years. Sunday family dinners have become a thing of the past. Our devices and social media have replaced the time we actually spend with one another. We have become disconnected from one another and the way we eat our meals.
With busy schedules and a long list of to-do items, we have forgotten how important food is for our wellness. There is much truth to the phrase, ‘comfort food’ – this was often the food that our Mothers or Grandmothers prepared for us. This was food made with love for family visits, or gatherings for a special occasion. You could feel the love when you ate it!
We are less and less present to what we eat, when we eat or how we consume it.
A few tips for staying present when eating…
- Plan at least one meal per week with your family, or loved ones. Anytime we connect this way the stress hormones decrease in our bodies and we feel happier.
- Chew your food longer. Digestive enzymes are secreted under the tongue, which begins the digestion process even before you swallow. Your brain will tell your body that you are full more quickly, meaning you may not overeat. Acid reflux and heartburn can be the result of chewing and swallowing large chunks of food. Swallow when your food no longer has any taste.
- Eat until you feel a natural contented feeling. If you sigh or momentarily stop and take a breath, you are done.
- No overeating. It is said that we only need to eat an amount the size of your fist. No seconds, push the plate away.
- Watch your portion size. If you overeat, it simply goes to waste anyway…your body will only take in what it needs at the time. Would you overfill your gas tank, letting the gas stream out of the car even when it registers as full?
- Bless your food and be grateful to all those people who were responsible for getting it to your plate. Remember when we all used to do that? I like to thank the hands and hearts that are responsible for providing sustenance to my body temple.
- Eat more often, and in smaller amounts to fuel your body all day. 4 or 5 smaller meals are better than 3 larger ones. It puts less stress on the digestive system, and you have a steady flow of nutrition and stable blood sugar. This is much better than stuffing yourself quickly once or twice a day.
- Eat your bigger meals in the morning and at lunch. Your digestive fire and metabolism are stronger and more efficient at this time of the day. If you eat a larger meal later in the day when your body is winding down, you are headed for unhealthy weight gain, and a less settled sleep.
- Discuss pleasant happy things as you enjoy your meal. Eat calmly – the emotions during a conversation can affect the digestive chemicals produced in your body, which could lead to acid reflux and indigestion.
- Be seated when you eat. Don’t eat standing up. This will make you feel as though you have to rush to finish your meal. Give yourself enough time to eat. Sit down and be present – smell it, look at it and taste it – know it is nourishing your body.
- Sit up straight, and try not to slouch. Give your stomach some room to take the food in.
I wish you an abundant fall season filled with much love, passion and adventure. As always I am here to support you in this life journey – and welcome your feedback.