Normally, it takes seven minutes. Today, it took fifteen. The difference in my dinner times? Chewing!

So I’ve been reading The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet by Alicia Silverstone. Next week I am planning to cook from this vegan book…. with meat on the side. Even after my vegetarian week , I don’t think I could do more than one or two nights a week meat free.

Vegan or not aside, one thing that really stuck with me was Alicia’s comments on chewing. She points out that by making a conscious effort to chew each bite at least 30 times, we slow down and enjoy our food even more. Plus, taking time to chew allows our digestive enzymes to start digesting our food. The authors of Enzymes For Health And Healing say that chewing too little may affect food intolerances, food craving and weight gain due to an enzyme insufficiency.

So today, I slowed down. I actually breathed while I was chewing. I munched until my food started tasting sweet, and I knew my enzymes were kicking in. Aside from being more relaxed and enjoyable, I feel like my stomach is lighter than usual as I get ready to sleep. Try it!

| | | | | |