30-Aug-2009

No Teeth Down There

Chew, Chew, Chew for a Healthier You

The pace of life these days rarely affords the time to stop, breathe and be mindful of this precious moment - especially, it seems, when you're about to eat. Next time, make time. Pause and take 2-3 deep breaths before you begin. Become fully present and grateful for the precious nutrition in front of you.

Even the healthiest, most vibrant foods are largely unusable if not chewed properly. So embrace the process! Chewing eliminates large food particles and stimulates the salivary glands to secrete. This simple act begins the assimilation of nutrients, maximizing the nutritive value of what you eat. Take time to taste. There are neurons in the brain's limbic system that are put there to provide satisfaction and contentment. That means, if you don't experience this when you eat your food, you'll feel unfulfilled and start scanning the fridge for more. So chew, taste, enjoy - it's a lot more fun and it's better for you!

Recommended: Mindful Eating: A Guide to Rediscovering a Healthy and Joyful Relationship with Food--includes CD