We live in a world that moves quickly; few people have the time or luxury to slow down and to truly enjoy each day. This is especially true at meal times. There used to be an institution in this country called dinner, where you and your family would sit down at the table and eat a relaxed meal together, while discussing the events of the day.
Kidding aside, damage can occur inside the human body when you eat too quickly. Pregnant women, in particular, should practice relaxed eating in as calm a setting as possible. The below guide provides four wellness tips for pregnant women to discourage rapid eating, reduce heartburn and indigestion and to improve their sense of wellness.
The Dangers of Eating Too Fast
Eating too rapidly or while stressed is bad for the mind, body and spirit – especially for expectant mothers.
In addition to heartburn and indigestion, rapid, stressed-out eating can also cause:
- An upset stomach
- Cramping
- Gas & bloating
- Overeating
- Slowed digestion & metabolism
- Weight gain
Pregnant women are often plagued with indigestion or heartburn, particularly in the first trimester. Statistics have shown that as many as 25% of pregnant women experience this annoying condition at some point in their pregnancy. However, there are steps that you can take to reduce both conditions – naturally.
Relax and Take it Slow
Stressing yourself out and trying to plow through a meal as quickly as possible is obviously not the way to go, but what is the best way to calm down and enjoy a meal?
1. Take a Deep Belly Breath
Most people breathe shallow breaths; even I am guilty of doing this. One of the quickest (and most therapeutic) ways to soothe frazzled nerves is to take a deep breath from your belly. Breathing deeply relieves stress and improves oxygen flow.
Bring your shoulders up to your ears and inhale deeply from your belly through your nose; drop your shoulders and exhale through your mouth. Finish by rolling your neck from side to side. Repeat this simple exercise as often as possible.
Consciously taking the time to stop and breathe deeply between bites ensures that there is more time to digest food and that proper oxygen flow takes place.
Make a conscious effort to perform this small task every day.
2. Take Your Meals in a Relaxed Environment
Turn off as many electronic devices as you can. The fewer “bleeps” and “bloops” the better. I find that lighting an aromatherapy candle instantly creates a relaxed space and soothes frazzled nerves. Play soothing music and engage in positive communication with a loved one.
3. Savor the flavors
Your tongue begins to suffer taste fatigue after the first few bites, so make those first few tastes really special by taking the time to really enjoy the food.
4. Chopsticks: Curb your Shoveling Urge
If you’ve developed a bad habit of eating rapidly over the years, here is a trick guaranteed to slow down your eating. Teach yourself to eat with chopsticks. Yes, chopsticks. Even if you become especially adept with these wooden utensils, there is only so much food that you can place in your mouth at one time. You can’t shovel food into your mouth without a shovel.
By Taheerah Barney 360nourishment.com
