As my mother loves to say, “Masticate your food!” She’s got great delivery, and always gets a laugh. And she’s got a point.
As we chew each mouthful at least 20-25 times, we break down the food into small particles for easy and efficient digestion AND we slow our pace.
It takes 20 minutes for your stomach and brain to fully communicate with each other. “Yup, you fed me and I am sated.” I’m betting you can do a lot of damage in those 20 minutes. I know, I sure can!
I invite you to join me today to:
1. Masticate your food well; chew 25-30 times with each mouthful.
2. Be present with your food; be one with your food!
3. Savor the flavor.
4. Slow down.
5. Be sated (vs. so full it’s uncomfortable).
Please let me know what masticating your food is like for you!
Spread the word … NOT the icing!
Janice
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Janice Taylor is a Weight Loss Coach, Author, Columnist and 50-pound big-time-loser.
Interested in one-on-one coaching? Write Janice for a free consult.
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posted November 10, 2008 at 10:11 am
I have caught myself the last week a few times and have slowed down to eat. It’s a hard thing to do especially when your really hungry and you have to remember to do it. It has to become an habit like exercise. Janice how does your food stay warm when your chewing your food so long? You also asked about 3 things we learned this week that made an impression on us: 1.cravings are like clouds. 2. drink tea when you have a craving. 3.clear things out.
posted November 10, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Beautifully said! As you build your ‘permanent fat removal’ muscles, you will find that you slow down without thinking. You are rewiring your behavior! BRAVO!!!!
posted November 10, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I love that phrase: “Cravings are like clouds.”
I’ve been busy clearing out my own creative space (another program: “The Artist’s Way” which I started with a bunch of harp friends), and found I’ve gotten so caught up in this endeavor I forgot about chocolate (my #1 trigger/crave food), and as my little artist’s workroom is uncluttered, I feel myself opening up and seeing possibilities, a lightening of my being, and a deeper patience with myself.
I use all my senses now to enjoy my food – that will really slow one down!
Something else struck me as strange though: since maintaining a daily food log, I find I’m truly hungry (and more often than I remember).
posted November 10, 2008 at 7:53 pm
Recording calories has helped me eat less and also more slowly. Because I am eating less I am more hungry but that’s ok. Today at work when I noticed I was getting stressed I focused on my breathing. Plus, I ate much less candy, even though I did eat some. I know eating chocolate won’t reduce stress, it will actually add to it if I gain weight.
I love “Cravings are like clouds.” Good thought.
I also made an appointment with a physician to check out one of my health “tolerances.”
posted November 10, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Did anyone see “Oprah” today? Nicole Kidman was on. Oprah asked her how she stayed so skinny during her pregnancy. I thought Kidman was going to reveal that she’s always had a slender build or something, but she stated that she continued working out every day of her pregnancy up until about one week before she delivered! This was the perfect message for me today. As I was driving home I talked myself out of exercising — “I’m too tired,” “I’ll do it tomorrow,” etc. I’ve never maintained a consistent exercise regimen very long — “too busy,” “too tired,” etc. And here this wealthy woman who could easily quit now and never work again and lie on some beach drinking margaritas continues to work out every day. So THAT’S why I don’t look like Nicole Kidman! I make excuses, and she doesn’t.
posted December 20, 2008 at 9:13 am
be the food
Angel Blessings