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By Elaine Fawcett
from Salem Monthly, Section Wellness
Posted on Fri Aug 03, 2007 at 11:36:24 AM PDT
It's easy to get caught up in the particulars of nutrition -- maintaining the perfect diet, finding the right supplements or focusing on a cleansing heavy metal detox. In fact, the pursuit of perfect health can become an obsession. Eating at a normal restaurant can stir one to a near panic attack before dinner is even served: "Where did this meat come from? How heavily sprayed are these vegetables? Which bad oil did they use?"
Sitting down to a perfect meal that is biodynamic, organic, raw, pastured AND vegan will hardly do your body any good if it's consumed in angst, confusion or even self-righteousness. And indulging in that naughty dessert while filled with self-love, gratitude and utter relaxation will hardly make a dent. Nutritional science often overlooks that how you eat is often every bit as important as what you eat.
Research has shown that when you are relaxed and in a good mood, the digestive organs do a better job and nutrient absorption goes way up. Undigested food, whether it's from McDonald's or Lifesource, will damage the digestive tract.
In "The Slow Down Diet," author Marc David asserts that slowing down long enough to eat results in better health and helps you discern which foods are best. When you slow down, chew thoroughly and actually savor your food, that Egg McMuffin or Whopper may lose its appeal.
According to David, when you sit down to your meal, you should inhale until your lungs are two-thirds full, hold for a few seconds and then exhale completely. Do this five times or more if necessary, he says, until you feel completely relaxed. Then enjoy your meal and chew thoroughly.
Elaine Fawcett is a Certified Nutritional Therapist and health writer. For more information go to digestionconnexion.com or call Nourishing Health at (503) 569-6002.
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