Natural Health Help

The quality of the foods you eat is most important to your health. But how you eat, that is how you feel, what atmosphere you are in, also matters a lot in terms of getting the most out of your meals. Creating the best physical and emotional environment helps you to digest well and actually absorb the food you are eating. Here are some suggestions for how to eat in the best possible way.

_ Take a moment, some kind of brief pause, for a few deep breaths or to become aware of your gratitude, to say grace or just feel centered and calm there where you are in your chair.

_ Don’t read the newspaper, watch TV, discuss uhappy subjects or try to solve problems while eating.

_ Eat slowly. Put your fork or spoon down between bites. You’ll eat less and enjoy your meal more if you don’t hurry. Eating slowly also improves your digestion.

_ Chew your food well. If you can’t chew it well, don’t eat it.

_ Finish what you’re chewing before you put more food into your mouth.

_ After eating, don’t eat again until the food has been digested. Most people need about 2 hours to completely empty their stomach after a meal.

_ Avoid any food which causes unpleasant feelings no mater how healthy it is presumed to be. You may be intolerant or allergic to it.

_ Don’t eat when in pain, emotionally upset, tired, or immediately after hard work.

_ Eat foods that are close to room temperature (not refrigerated, not burning hot).

_ Eat less than you think you need. If you’re not sure you have had enough, wait 5 or 10 minutes before deciding to each more. It can take a while for your brain to notice you are full.

_ Don’t skip breakfast. Eat a meal every 4 to 5 hours; think of snacks as small meals. Have a snack 3 hours after a meal if your next meal is not going to be eaten within the next 2 to 3 hours. This keeps your blood sugar more balanced.

_ Have some protein and/or some good quality fat like olive oil or, or fresh nuts or seeds, with every meal or snack. If you eat only carbohydrates at a meal or a snack, you will have a blood sugar drop in about an hour that will cause you problems in some way.

_ Skip dessert; except for rare celebrations desserts are a burden on your health. When you are finished your meal, brush your teeth immediately. This will signal your nervous system that you are finished eating for a while. Getting busy with some other non-food related activity will also reinforce the fact that you are finished eating.

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