How you eat matters: Are you eating in a state of rest or stress?
We overemphasize what we are eating and forget that HOW we are eating matters just as much if not more.
Today many of us find ourselves eating in a state of stress. We often tend to grab something quick and eat while doing other things such as working, driving, watching tv, etc. We find ourselves unconsciously eating fast, barely chewing or tasting our food, and not truly enjoying the meal in front of us.
The truth is - if we eat in this hurried, unconscious state, it doesn’t matter what we are eating we will not efficiently digest the food or absorb the nutrients from the food. This is a reason why we could be eating the “healthiest” foods and yet still not feel healthy.
First lets do a quick overview of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems:
Parasympathetic: our “rest + digest” system - this is a state or relaxation where healing, digestion, elimination, and repair happen. In this state our heart rate and blood pressure also decrease.
Sympathetic: our “fight + flight” system - this system goes off when we sense a threat, are in danger, feel stress and even when we exercise (a healthy stressor). This system is triggered much easier in modern times. In this state our heart rate and blood pressure increase and systems such as the digestive, immune, and elimination systems slow and shut down.
Why slowing down, chewing our food efficiently + being in a rest and digest state is optimal for health:
In short:
A stressed eater = sympathetic dominance = digestive shut down
A relaxed eater = parasympathetic dominance = full digestive force
Increase oxygen = increase digestion
Increase oxygen = increase metabolism
Increase breathing = increase metabolism, digestion, + nutrient absorption
Eat more + breathe more + burn more
Eating in a relaxed state:
First things first, when we are in a state of stress our digestion is shut down and when we are in a state of relaxation our digestion is in full working force. Meaning that we want to be eating in a relaxed state for optimal digestion + nutrient absorption. We can make this happen by taking a few deep breathes when we sit down to eat, tuning into our bodies, and becoming fully present with the meal in front of us.
Digestion begins in the mouth:
When we eat slow + in a restful state we are able to allow our bodies to absorb more nutrients from the food and also digest it more efficiently. When we slow down, tune in, and fully chew our food we are able to listen to when we actually feel full, prevent overeating + feeling stuffed, and truly enjoy the food we are eating.
Take away tips:
Pray and bless your food before eating
Bring yourself into a relaxed state
Slow down and chew fully
When you are eating become present and check in, ask yourself “how am I breathing?”
Minimize distractions
Connect in with your senses- what’s the flavor and smell of the food?
Set a VIBE! - calming music, light a candle, have a genuine conversation
Remember to consciously breathe before, during, and after
Most importantly ENJOY what you eat :)
In Love and wellness,
-Jess
References:
Psychology of eating
“The Slow Down Diet” by Marc David