Rushing meals, eating dinner in front of the TV and alcohol all affect our digestion and in turn the nutritional benefits of our meals. We might be making the right steps towards good nutrition, but it is important to assure we are digesting all those delightful nutrients too!
We found this snazzy article that guides you through some practical steps to digestion and soaking up those nutrients.
‘The Second Brain: Trust your Gut’
Essential Behavioural Steps for Relaxed Digestion
· Eat in places that induce relaxation rather than places where one feels stressed.
· Employ rituals such as communal eating, giving thanks, and potlucks; this can also reduce stress and improve digestion.
· Breathe slowly and rhythmically before eating and during the meal.
· Eat with others when possible and without the distraction of the TV or computer.
· Put the fork or spoon down between bites and let it sit for 15–30 seconds or more.
· Chew food 50 times or until almost liquid.
· Set nutrients on the table in the kitchen organized by whether they are to be taken before the meal, during the meal, or after the meal.
· Additionally, smoking, caffeine, and alcohol consumption all impair digestion and affect the stress response. Reducing or eliminating these three major stress factors should be included in goal setting early on with the client
This has been an excerpt from The Second Brain: Trust Your Gut. http://www.neuropsychotherapist.com/the-second-brain-trust-your-gut/