Page 24 - Kick-AssWellnessHandbook_eBook

Digestion starts before we actually take a bite of food. It is
healthy to take some time to focus on the food before we put it
in our mouths. In today’s hurried society, this is often neglected.

Commonalities between cultures in the world who experience
longevity include the time that they take to prepare and eat a meal.
All elements of nourishing the body are extremely mindful.

How to eat mindfully

► Start by breathing in the aroma of your food, giving your
brain time to register it. This will trigger digestive juices,
hormones, and enzymes to start working.

► Once you take a bite, take the time to chew it completely.
Chewing slowly and methodically helps increase
saliva, which contains enzymes needed to break down
carbohydrates. Saliva also contains antibacterial properties.

► When we chew, we also decrease the surface area of the
food so that it is easier for the digestive juices to further
break it down. Only swallow when the food is completely
masticated.

Once the food begins to be broken down, the stomach starts to
produce hydrochloric acid and this, in turn, sends a message
farther down the digestive tract to get ready to work. Chewing also

helps the stomach send a “full” message to the brain so that you do
not overeat.

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