We are what we eat?
Sugar and processed foods can lead to inflammation throughout the body and brain, which may contribute to mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. When we’re feeling stressed or depressed, it’s often processed foods we reach for in search of a quick pick-me-up.
Researchers continue to prove the old adage that you are what you eat, most recently by exploring the strong connection between our intestines and brain. Our guts and brain are physically linked via the vagus nerve, and the two are able to send messages to one another. While the gut is able to influence emotional behaviour in the brain, the brain can also alter the type of bacteria living in the gut.
Tips for Practicing Mindful Eating
1. Slow down and savor each bite: One of the key principles of mindful eating is to fully experience and appreciate the taste, texture, and aroma of your food. Take small bites, chew slowly, and really pay attention to how each mouthful feels in your mouth.
2. Eliminate distractions: When you eat mindlessly while watching TV or scrolling through your phone, it's easy to lose track of what you're eating and how much you've consumed. Create a calm environment free from distractions so that you can focus solely on your meal.
3. Listen to your body's cues: Pay attention to when you feel hungry or full. Eat when you are genuinely hungry, not out of boredom or emotion. Likewise, stop eating when you start feeling satisfied rather than waiting until you are uncomfortably full.
