This week I share some great tips for super digestion! Remember these are meant to be guidelines. Life can be unpredictable – so keep them as general rules to follow and if you follow them, more often than not, you will have fabulous digestion.
If your food is not agreeing with you, if you are bloated with an upset system these tips will help you. Did you know 80% of the immune system exists in the digestive system. It is critical to keep things moving in and out of the body.
- Probiotics and acidophilus/bifidus are key.The latest studies show that it can even help flatten stomachs and lesson belly fat by taking them regularly. Do you find that you wake up with a flat stomach and by the end of the day it is big and bloated? That means that your food is not digesting properly. Also try taking a good quality digestive enzyme 15 minutes before you eat.
- Don’t put ice in your drinks.It chills the lining of the stomach, which can prevent the stomach from producing what it needs to properly digest your food. If you are not digesting, that also means you won’t be getting all the nutrients from the food you eat.
- 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?
- Stay hydrated throughout your day.Don’t try to catch up at mealtime, and drink only warm beverages while eating.
- Bless your food and be grateful to all those people who were responsible for getting it to your plate.Remember when we used to do that at every meal?
- 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.
- Eat your bigger meals in the morning and at lunch.Your digestive fire and metabolism are stronger and more efficient at that time of the day. If you eat a larger meal later in the day when your body is winding down – and worse, then sit around and watch TV – 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 that can 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 that it is nourishing your body.
- Sit up straight, and try not to slouch.Give your stomach some room to take the food in.
- At breakfast, always eat a little protein to carry you through the morning. One option could be a greens drink with protein made into a smoothie.
- Empty your fridge and cupboards of all the stuff that you know is bad for you.
- Try to eat with the seasons. Be aware of what grows naturally and locally at each time of year…there is simplicity and wisdom in this.
- Eat locally and within a 100-mile radius when you can. This means the food will be fresher, and of course it supports our local growers.
I wish you abundant Summer filled with much love, passion and adventure. As always I am here to support you in this life journey – and welcome your feedback.