Eating well - Some general considerations

Joy

Enjoying our food is part of opening up to being fully nourished by what we eat.  If we are happy when we eat and happy in our relationship with food, then our bodies will literally accept the food more effectively into our system. 

Positive Attitude

Often we develop beliefs about ‘good’ and ‘bad’ foods.  Some foods are ‘good for us’ even if we don’t enjoy them.  Other foods are ‘bad for us’ and we eat them guiltily or avoid them resentfully.  Although there is some truth in these labels, our attitude to the food we eat will instruct our digestion what to do with it, so whatever we eat, once we have made a choice it is better to accept the food lovingly, to welcome the food as wholeheartedly as we can.  In this way we will get the most out of all foods.

Relaxation

It is better not to mix food and work. Our digestion works best when we are focused on our enjoyment of the meal, not distracted or troubled by other influences.  Stress can shut down the digestive system so food is not processed properly which leads to flatulence, bloating and pain. Try to de-stress before eating.  It is better to make mealtime a relaxed occasion (as far as humanly possible!) when we are not trying to read, watch television, do business etc.  It is helpful to take a little time to relax our posture too, perhaps take a few quiet breaths before eating.  Crossing our legs, sitting twisted or hunched over will compress our digestive organs and hinder the passage of food through our body.  Poor posture can result in reflux and indigestion.

Chew well

There is a saying that “the stomach has no teeth”.  Well chewed food lessens the work our digestive organs have to do and increases the efficient extraction of nutrients.  Chewing also warms chilled food.

Stop just before you are full

If we overeat at any one meal, we create stagnation, a temporary queue of food waiting to be processed.  As a result we feel tired while our energy is occupied digesting the excess food.

Don’t flood the digestive tract

It does not like too much fluid with a meal.  A little warm fluid with a meal is helpful, but too much dilutes the digestive juices’ actions and weakens digestion: a teacup is generally sufficient.  Most fluid is best consumed between meals.

Don’t chill the stomach

To much chilled food or fluid will also weaken the ability to digest. The digestive process needs warmth.  Have food and drink at room temperature if possible.

Eat the main meal early

When we eat late at night our system is naturally slowing down and the food sits around for longer in the digestive tract.  This creates stagnation where food is not digested properly and may prevent us from sleeping well.

Choose foods that look fresh and healthy

Include as much locally grown food and organic quality food in the diet as possible. Nourishing foods are significantly damaged by microwave cooking, by excessive processing, by chemical preservation and irradiation.

Trust your body

Sometimes we crave our poison, but there is in each of us a deeper level of knowing.  As we bring our awareness to our eating, we can begin to feel what our true needs are, what truly nourishes us.  At first we may need to be guided by more analytical judgements, but as we listen inside we can begin to make choices from our bodies too.  What makes us feel good at the deepest level is good for us.

Extracts from ‘Helping Ourselves: Guide to Traditional Chinese Food Energetics’ by Daverick Leggett (Buy from Amazon)