One of the most important concepts in mind-body nutrition is the “power of slow”; recognizing that we do damage to ourselves at a deep level when we rush through our food, rush through our lives, without awareness of the moment or of its importance to our well-being.
Everything we discuss on this blog is always being presented in the context of meaningful living. The ultimate goal of mind-body nutrition and dynamic eating is to create a healthy mind-body balance by observing and reflecting on how you relate to food: What happens when you think about food and when you eat it? How aware are you of how those thoughts and feelings are impacting your body and emotions? Are you aware that your lunch or dinner hour has become a “rush hour”, not sitting down with yourself, family and/or friends and eating mindfully, but rather grabbing something at a sidewalk stand at lunch while you walk to another appointment or staying late at the office pulling something sandwich-like from a cafeteria vending machine? Do you think that those antacids you are popping are really because you just ate something too spicy or rich, or are you willing tyo consider that there might be a connection between your stress levels, food choices and your current acidic state?
It has been proven that stress (often experienced by those rushing, rushing, rushing) is a prime factor not only in heart disease, inflammatory disease, etc. but it is also a prime factor in metabolism and weight. People who live stressful lives, read that as ”distress” and not “eustress”, have a greater tendency to gain weight and keep it than those who practice the “power of slow” when it comes to food and self-nuturing.
Rx for the Week: This week become more mindful of how you are eating, where and what you are eating. Make a conscious decision to slow down! See how it feels and let us know what you notice! Have a wonderful week. Blessings!
April 27th, 2010 at 7:19 pm
This is great advice! We all need to stop and be more aware of not just what we are eating, but how we are eating. It’s amazing how much better you feel when you allow yourself that peaceful, stress-free time to sit and enjoy a meal at the table without other interruptions (in front of your computer or television, on the phone, etc.) It helps your body realize the food you just ate—it just feels better and allows for better digestion.
April 28th, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Thanks, Amanda! You hit the nail on the head with the words “when you allow yourself”! Great physical health begins with giving ourselves permission to be present…..with our foods, our heart and mind. When all is in alignment, the resulting congruence sends us messages of peace.
June 8th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
Leslie,
Indeed, the power of slow is about mindful living. I am so glad to have discovered your blog. I welcome your visiting mine as well. I wrote a book recently called THE POWER OF SLOW, which addresses how we might establish a more powerful relationship with time so we have more of it. Mindful eating is one aspect of it.
Best to you!
Christine Louise Hohlbaum
author of THE POWER OF SLOW: 101 WAYS TO SAVE TIME IN OUR 24/7 WORLD
July 1st, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Welcome, Christine! My Blog, like most, is a work in progress so stay tuned for a powerful conversation once we get some more visitors. I just visited your site and see that you have a wonderful book and blog on the Power of Slow so you appreciate how important it is in this “crazy busy, world-society” to stop, breath, relax, and feel; something most folks just do not take the time for today, including myself at times. But as Ghandi so perfectly put it, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Thanks again for stopping by and I am now following you on Twitter where you can find me under @MiraculousCoach.