Have you ever finished a meal and noticed that the belly is full but the mouth is still hungry? Most likely you were not paying much attention to your meal while eating it. If the brain does not experience the pleasure of the eating through taste and smell, it will remain hungry, searching for that satisfaction by longing for more food.
Scientists estimate that 30-40% of our digestive response starts in the brain, and by putting our attention elsewhere, the digestive system does not receive the blood and energy it needs to properly assimilate food. This results in symptoms such as digestive upset, bowel disorders, fatigue, weight gain, or the inability to absorb vital nutrients.
Many people who describe themselves as having a problem with overeating actually have a problem of awareness; they don’t eat when they eat. While eating, their attention is on watching TV, reading, checking email, or perhaps driving.
To find the answer to “how much should I be eating?” change the question to “how am I eating?”
If you love food why do you rush through every eating experience?
Most people eat until they "feel full." To digest a big meal we must generate more metabolic force by pulling more blood and oxygen into the stomach. As a result, other parts of the body such the arms, legs and brain lose blood supply. This translates as a feeling of being tired and sluggish.
Instead of eating till full, eat until energized.
Estimate the point where you feel full of energy rather than full with food. At this point you will feel light and still a little hungry. This slight hunger leaves energy for you to carry into your next activity. It will ensure more blood flow to your brain to make you more alert. When you eat even one bite past the point of energy, you will feel heavier.
Begin your meal by setting an intention to eat to a point of energy. Observe your energy level several times through out your meal. Watch your sense of lightness, alertness and vibrancy. Ask yourself “How do I feel? How is my energy level? Do I still feel light? Am I starting to feel heavy?”* You will know you have gone past the peak energy point when you begin to feel sluggish and unfocused.
Put down your fork and take a moment of gratitude for the nourishment that you have received.
Try practicing this for a week and you will sharpen your ability to instinctively recognize when to stop.
It is my personal experience that as I have practiced this way of eating, I’ve become more intuitive in all areas of my life. After all, such awareness comes from the gut, not the brain. By giving our gut more attention, it becomes easier for us to connect to our “gut feeling”.
(*This exercise is inspired by Marc David, www.marcdavid.com)
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