Chew Your Food
My health coaching AND yoga clients often ask what’s the quickest way to feel better (and maybe lose weight?) I say do yoga or do MORE yoga to everything! Just like in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” where the bride’s father says and uses windex to solve any issue! I feel that passionately about yoga and its healing benefits.
But seriously you won’t be able to do yoga or anything if you’re not feeling good and chances are, that by downing your food without chewing it, you might be taxing your digestive system: thus creating bloat, gas and unnecessary exhaustion. Life can be hard already, at times, so why add more strain to it?
I’ve definitely grown up wolfing down food (how would I/we know any better!?) which becomes a habit into adulthood if not corrected. And think about that for a sec. It’s just a habit. So then it’s something we can break!
Read this from a fellow health coach, Robyn Youkillis, “Your stomach doesn’t have teeth. So don’t expect it to do your chewing for you.”
Totally true as we put it in that light. If you’re taking a bite out of food and then swallowing without chewing or take a few chews, your stomach has to work that much harder. Pay attention to when you’re stomach makes all of those sounds after a meal. I’ve been there feeling embarrassed when working with a client - my tummy making sounds while it’s quiet and peaceful. Totally not peaceful for me!
Those sounds are likely indicative of not processing or chewing your food. The enzymes created in your mouth when you chew help your stomach process your food.
Chewing a little or a lot more might be the easiest way to see if your tummy issues are simply due to not chewing your food thoroughly. Maybe this week see if you can take your time to chew your food. Try these simple tips below. And download for a deeper exploration of chewing!
Happy Chowing!
Quick tips:
Appreciate your food in front of you. Let your body relax as you are about to eat and as you eat.
Chew a minimum of 20 and up to 40 times.
Take it your time eating. If you’re properly chewing, the you feel full as you’re eating and will likely not overeat. Allowing your brain to stay with you as you eat.
