Chew your Food
Here’s your Food for Thought: Chew your food!
Yes, yes, yes. We all do that….don’t we?!?! How about a little story and perspective for you first:
During my first date with my husband, I was very much aware of how long it took him to eat his meal. And while the conversation was great and we did hit it off immediately, the time it took him to finish his meal had nothing to do with that. Once we started dating I realized that chewing his food slowly and intentionally was a habit of his and I honestly thought it was odd. (sorry babe!) Then it even became a little annoying because I was always waiting for him to finish eating! I hate to admit it, but it took me well over a year to finally pay attention to what he was modeling and slow down to see what all the fuss was about. Now I see and FEEL the benefits of eating slowly and chewing my food and it’s a habit I continually work on improving.
Mindful Eating: Part 2
Remember last week’s food for thought: Eat until you are 80% full?
Once I focused on that, I was able to slow down and more naturally focus on chewing my food (and enjoying it more too). The only way I could truly pay attention to my hunger cues and know when I was about 80% full was if I focused on chewing my food.
Do you know how many chews per bite are ideal for optimal digestion? I challenge you to count today. Just your normal habit of chewing. Many people start around 10 chews or less!!! Especially in the fast-paced world of always on the go and very little time to eat. That is a whole other post in the making!
Ideally, we should be chewing our food 25-35 times before swallowing. On the higher end for meat!
Why is this such a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle?
Better digestion - the more our food is broken down, the easier it is on the digestive tract. Plus digestion starts when we smell our food. It creates saliva and that saliva helps our body absorb nutrients.
You’re more likely to eat until you’re 80% full if you slow down the entire process.
It’s more enjoyable. There are flavors and textures to be experienced!
Think of the time and effort that goes into preparing your favorite dish, or if nothing else, wait for it to be served to you. Now consider how much of that is wasted on rushing through it and not truly tasting it. Food is meant to be enjoyed, not inhaled.
Sounds so small that it can’t actually work, BUT IT DOES! Adding this principle alone will force you to work on last week’s strategy of eating until you’re 80% full.
So start to imagine feeling better. Your gut will be so thankful you helped it out with some of the work, chewing. It will allow your gut to focus on other important processes like repair, focus, and fighting off pathogens…just to name a few.
I’ll be the first to admit it; this is still a habit I am working on constantly. Busier days, distractions, and social situations can throw me off. Those old teacher habits of working through lunch breaks and only giving myself 10 minutes to eat are easier for my body to remember.
But I am quickly reminded (when my plate is empty and I am overly full or feeling discomfort 30 minutes later) that I didn’t chew my food enough. The best coaches are the ones putting these daily actions into practice. So feel comfort knowing I am right there with you.
Who’s trying this practice this week? Track it daily in your planner, a note on your phone, tell a friend and have them hold you accountable. There are countless ways to stay the course!
This week’s Tasty Twist - Deviled Eggs 3 ways
Deviled Eggs are the Perfect Appetizer for any party if you ask me, but especially on Easter weekend. Check out this Tasty Twist on a classic!
