Everyday tips for Healthy Digestion
Working with me one on one really lets you deep dive into what your specific needs are when it comes to food. However there are general guidelines that are helpful and applicable all year round and for all body types. If you are struggling to get your digestion on track, try integrating these practices into your daily rhythm.
Establish a regular meal routine. Meaning do your best to eat breakfast lunch and dinner around the same times every day. For me personally I would note that during the heart or winter I will eat an earlier dinner than lets say the heart of summer. (Another powerful tip is to always eat your last meal before the sun goes down.) The sun is what gives us energy to digest our food.
Avoid skipping meals and snacking throughout the day ( I would say the only ones who should consider snacking are pregnant moms, still in moderation though, and folks who do a lot of manual labor in their day)
Make lunch your heaviest, largest meal of the day.
If you are traveling and your digestive system is clearly impaired, opt for a simple cooked meal. Raw foods like salads take more energy to digest because our body has to cook and breakdown the food.
Skip frozen drinks, iced drinks, even putting ice in your water. They douse your digestive fire.
Instead of drinking a large amount of water while eating a meal, have a small glass of warm lemon water with your meal. Then drink warm water throughout your day, 4-6 glasses is enough! Dont drink too much water as it can stress the kidneys. ( * note: if it is a hot summers day, you will find yourself more thirsty and might drink a little more water, compared to a cold winters day).
Say it with me! CHEW! YOUR! FOOD! To liquid or mush. Some foods require more chewing. But the more you chew, the less your digestive system has to strain itself to break down the food. This is also a huge weight loss tip.
Only eat in a relaxed and calm state. Do not eat when you are emotional, upset or angry. Wait until the waves of feeling pass over.
When you are eating, make that the main event. No TV, no phone scrolling, even limit conversation with family or friends to a minimum. The less distractions the more your your body is present to what it is doing, nourishing itself.
Before your first bite, you can silently say a simple prayer of gratitude towards all who helped get your food onto your plate, and beyond.
THE BURP! - read my next article to find out the importance of stopping at the first burp, and how to do so.
Lastly, never repress an urge to eliminate.
