Nourish your brain with mindful eating
“Every moment nature is serving fresh dishes with the items of happiness. It is our choice to recognise and taste it.”
― Amit Ray
Have you ever considered the connection between your belly and your brain? If your stomach hurts, likely your head won't feel great either.
This is because there’s a continual conversation between what is happening in your gut and what is happening in your brain. What this means is that what we eat impacts how we feel. So, if you are eating greasy food and feeling sluggish all of the time... it could be the reason!
There is truth to the saying “you are what you eat”.
So in order to feel good, we must choose to be mindful of what and how we eat. A conscious choice must be made in order to nourish your body and mind.
However, beyond just what we eat, how we eat is also just as important.
Here are 4 ways you can help nourish your brain through mindful eating:
1. Plan your meals mindfully
Make the time to meal prep so you don't get caught up in the middle of the week making a poor choice because you weren't prepared. Your healthy choices will reward you with more overall wellness
2. Chew slowly
Often we are in such a hurry, that we rush through our meals, causing unpleasant side effects from stomach upset to belching from swallowing air. So, sit down with the intention to eat your meal slowly, even if you only have 15 minutes. Enjoy how you feel in the moment. Then see how you feel afterward, too!
3. Practice Gratitude
When was the last time you felt truly grateful for your meal? The fact you have food in front of you that will sustain you day in and day out is truly something to celebrate. Take a moment to practice gratitude before your meal through prayer, a thought, or even just saying something out loud in thanks to where ever this food may have come from.
4. Eating as Meditation
If you have a meditation practice already, why not turn your meals into a meditation as well? You can engage yourself in the present moment. Notice when your mind starts to wander, as it most likely will. Then invite yourself back to your slow chewing, enjoying the flavours, and also making sure you take some nice, deep breaths in between bites!