March 1, 2013

Feeling Good Fridays

Today we are going to talk about what we eat and how we should eat it.

We Americans tend to race through everything, not necessarily sitting back to enjoy the food or the company or even God's magnificent creation.  It is easy to rush through life.  I do it but am making a point to be aware of my impatience and improve in that area of my life.  God did call us to "rest."  We can eat slower, drive slower, take the time to invite a person over for a cup of tea or coffee and just chat with no agenda. There are many ways to slow down.  So let's talk about food in regards to these thoughts on slowing our pace....

  • Instead of rushing through a meal try to chew each bite you take at least 15-30 times.  Sounds funny and you will find it very hard to do.  However, when you do you will notice first that you are not rushing through the meal and you are actually enjoying your food. Second you will eat less because you will be full on one portion in about 20 minutes instead of having two helpings in 20 minutes because you were able to scarf down that much in that time frame.  The third thing that happens is something you can't see.  When you chew your food that long your stomach starts preparing to digest that food.  If you chew quickly and swallow quickly your stomach does not have enough time to produce the stomach acid and enzymes it needs to properly digest the food your are eating.  The result, undigested food going  through your intestine and coming out the other side.  The result of that, inflammation. It could result in inflammation in your gut or in your skin or many other places causing a vast array of symptoms. Interesting huh?  This is just the tip of the iceberg because inflammation can be caused by many, many factors but this is just one small thing you can do to relax and enable your body to work in the way God designed it. So next time you sit down to eat a meal or even a snack take the time to savor it, taste it and properly digest it to help your body out.

The other item I wanted to touch on today is what we eat.  I said "touch" on for a reason.  What we eat is a HUGE topic.  I am just going to suggest one thing for this post. 
  • When you eat, always be sure that the first thing that goes in your mouth is protein.  If you have potatoes, meat and veggies on your plate eat more bites of meat first before you eat the potato and veggies.  Why you ask?  The reason is that protein takes the longest to digest and primes the stomach to start doing its work properly.  Protein also helps to absorb the foods more slowly that turn into glucose.  In return you don't get a spike in your insulin levels and your blood sugar stays stable.  The result is less stress (and inflammation) in your body. So next time you sit down to have an apple because an apple a day keeps the doctor away.  Add a tablespoon or two of a nut butter (almond, walnut, cashew) along with it.  Not only is it very tasty but will allow your digestive system to properly digest your food to make you feel at optimal levels! 
1 Corinthians 6:19
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?...

~Blessings~
Please note - I am not a medical doctor.  What I say on this blog is based on my own research along with my own personal experiences.  I assume no liability and my advice, ideas or suggestions should not replace those of your own practitioner.

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For any and all health advice/suggestions and/or posts on this blog, I do not assume any liability for you. The posts and comments on this blog are not meant to be a substitute for your own practicing physician's care in your life. These posts are based on my experience and research in my own healing journey and are placed here to encourage and help those ailing with their health. We are all individuals and there is not ONE pat answer or resolution that applies to everyone across the board.