We get it. You’re hungry.
In between spinning class and work and happy hour and making dinner, you have a matter of minutes to gulp down your smoothie or rush through that kale and quinoa salad. At least you’re choosing the right foods, right?
Have you heard the phrase, “Chew your liquids and drink your solids?” Chewing allows you to slow down and enjoy your meal even longer. Chewing your foods like you mean it can have a huge impact on your overall health.
Here’s Why to Chew Liquids and Drink Solids:
1. Cleanliness is Next to Godliness and Chewing is Next to Happiness
Why? You’ll be able to enjoy all the tantalizing flavours of your meal. Even more importantly, you’ll feel satisfied when you’re done (because it took some time to get through that!).
2. Digest and Rest and You May Not Be so Tired
Ever feel tired after eating? It’s because your digestive system is working extra hard. Remember: your stomach doesn’t have teeth. That midday slump is a choice. You can eliminate fatigue, gas, and bloating by chewing thoroughly. Easy enough.
3. Lack of Chewing Feeds the Bad Guys
In your gut, at all times, is a comic book story line that comes to life. There are good guys fighting the good fight and villains cackling and trying to take over (well, maybe they aren’t cackling but we imagine it that way). The good and bad guys are in the form of bacteria. Did you know your gut has about 5 pounds of bacteria in it? When you don’t chew your food, especially sugars/starches, it’s not absorbed and it ends up in your gut, feeding the bad guys!
So you may be now wondering: how much should you be chewing? Are you going to become the human version of a cow? Here are some rough guidelines:
- Smoothies – 5 times (yes, CHEW your liquids!) Why? Because digestive enzymes in your mouth are responsible for breaking down carbohydrates!
- Soft foods like fruit, cooked veggies, eggs – 10 times
- Harder foods like nuts, grains, raw veggies – 20 times
- Tougher foods like meats and tempeh – 30 times
Your mealtimes can become more contemplative and mindful when you just add this piece of the puzzle. Chew to slow down. Chew for happiness and health.
At least chew this idea over?
