Relax and Digest

Food is fuel, and eating should be treated as an important part of the day. Here are some tips to help make the healthiness of your meal go beyond the nutrients found in the food:

• Take 2 deep breaths to switch off your Flight or Fight (sympathetic nervous system) to Rest and Digest (parasympathetic nervous system mode)

• Chew your food well

  • This gives enzymes in your saliva time to aid the digestion, and helps relax you (see next point below)

• Don’t eat and work at the same time

  • Working = Stressful

  • Digestion works better when you are relaxed

• Pack a lunch, and plan it the night before

• Search out different supermarkets and local farmers markets

• Visit the perimeter of the supermarkets

  • That’s a common location for less processed foods

• Engage your family/friends when planning recipes, and cooking and baking

  • Remember: Being a good role model will pay off —> Your kids will likely cook for themselves when they are older!

• Sharing meals together can be fun, relaxing, and a good bonding activity

• When travelling, visit local markets, bringing home meal ideas based on local cooking. This adds variety and increases interest. Some ideas include:

  • Cheeses from Europe

  • Bean dishes from Central America

  • Hot spicy salads from the Middle East

  • Fermented soy and vegetables from the Far East

  • Daal and spices from India

  • Teff grain bread from Ethiopia

  • Etc…