Chewing
Really? Chewing?!
Yes, I’m actually writing about chewing. We all do it, but most, not nearly enough as we should. If you’re like most people, you eat on the go. In the car, on the subway, walking down the street. We eat watching tv, checking email, reading newspapers. Some people even eat in the bathroom! I guess they figure the’re saving time?! Whatever their reason…gross. Anyway, chewing. It’s good for us. We don’t do it enough. Half the time we swallow our food practically whole! No wonder people have digestive issues.
Digestion begins in the mouth, and the longer the food stays in there, getting ground up, and smooshed, the less work your digestive organs have to do. The saliva in our mouths contain digestive enzymes that not only help break down our food, but allows our bodies to absorb the maximum nutrition from each bite. And there’s still more! Saliva breaks down food into simple sugars, so the longer we chew, the sweeter it tastes. This sweet taste can help avoid sweet cravings after our meal. More chewing also produces more endophins, the “feel good” chemicals in our brains… so many reasons to slow down when we eat!! If you’re looking to lose weight, start chewing your food more slowly. You are more likely to notice when you’re full if you’re focusing on chewing, enjoying and savoring each bite, rather than reading the newspaper or watching tv.
There are so many elements to a meal worth enjoying, aside from the taste. Consider smells, flavors, and textures. Slowing down lets us really appreciate the different qualities of our food. Slowing down and chewing mindfully helps us with self control, and makes us more appreciative of the food we have. Shut off the tv and computer, put away the newspapers, books, and magazines, get off your cell phone, sit at a TABLE on not in a car/bus/train. Try chewing each bite 20-30 times.
It’s totally weird the first few times you do this… it almost feels uncomfortable, as we are all used to a steady stream of stimulation - advertising, media, emails, demands from others, etc. But the more you do it, the more you will come to really appreciate meal time without rushing. A meal should be relaxing, not rushed, and calming, not stressful. Plus, the better the food tastes, the longer you want it to last… and the best way is to chew slowly!
We have to eat everyday - why not actually savor and enjoy it?
