But don’t we all know this ! I know, I know we have heard it before but in our fast-paced world, we often find ourselves rushing through meals, barely taking the time to savour each bite and create a ritual around this process. Yet, an essential and often overlooked aspect of maintaining good health lies in the simple act of chewing our food properly.

Our mouth is a powerhouse of digestion, armed with teeth, saliva, and enzymes, all ready for action. Chewing is the first step in the process of digestion. Proper chewing not only makes the digestive process more efficient but also sets the stage for optimal nutrient absorption downstream in the digestive tract.

Chewing signals the body to prepare for digestion by releasing gastric juices and activating the digestive organs. When we take the time to chew our food slowly, our bodies have the opportunity to signal to the brain that we are satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating and promoting healthier portion control. Efficient chewing also reduces the burden on the digestive system, minimising the chance of indigestion, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal issues.

Some things which I have found helpful is taking a few breaths when I sit down and having a minute to find something I am grateful for in that moment however small. I start to engage my senses by smelling the food in front of me and to visually presenting the food in an appealing manner with different colours.

I truly believe creating a space that is calm and peaceful to eat makes a huge difference to how I digest my food. I have found that no matter how health a food is labelled if I am in a stressed and agitated state I do not digest my food in the best way possible. In those moments, which I don’t always win, is to wait and calm the body and mind and come back to the food later.

Ann Wigmore quoted that ‘The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison’ so lets ensure we are digesting the food we have access to in the best we can.

The next time you sit down for a meal, take a moment of gratitude and savour each bite – your body will thank you.

Much love xx