Mindful Eating

Eastern traditions have long acknowledged the power of digestion: that proper digestion and assimilation of nourishing food is at the heart of physical health, and that poor digestion and assimilation are at the root of disease. 

This is now more prevalent in the Western view of health as well, with much discussion and science pointing to the importance of digestion and a healthy gut microbiome as the root of health or disease. 

A very simple and straightforward way to approach proper digestion and assimilation is to focus on how we eat. 

Enter the mindful meal.

If we can be still and quiet, the body actually has more of an opportunity to receive the food. 

We can focus on seeing and being with what is on the plate, try to chew more than a handful of times, taste flavors in the mouth, pause between bites. 

When we are on the go, in a car, or in a rousing conversation, there is a bit of disruption and disturbance in this important part of the process. 

After the meal is complete, take a few more minutes of quiet time to allow the food to continue its peaceful journey along the digestive tract. 

The idea of having a silent meal can feel daunting, especially in our culture where mealtimes are typically social times. 

For me the only realistic time to employ this practice fully is when my kids are at school and I have lunch. I cook something simple for myself, and try to wait to eat until I am sitting, have silenced my phone, and taken a breath or two. I will often feel the pull of ‘needing’ to look something up on my phone, get back to someone, write something down, get something done. And it can be challenging to not begin to rush the meal in order to get whatever I think I need to do, done.

I try to remember to chew, to taste, and to put my fork down between bites. And then when the meal is done, I try to be still for a time to let my body finish receiving the food.

This is a seemingly simple practice but one that can feel incredibly hard.

That's right, no talking, 

Yes, eating alone. 

I encourage no music or other chatter from a device.

Look out the window, chew the food, taste the food, sip something warm. 

Give your body the best chance to receive and assimilate nourishment.

Give it a try, even once over the next couple of weeks, and see how you feel.