The Art of Eating

A day in the life …..

Facebook, Instagram ... Lunch at the office over your laptop whilst responding to a few urgent emails all the while keeping an eye on your team Whatsapp   conversations …  Dinner time is normally a slower event, unwinding, kicking up your feet and vegging in front of the television with a tray on your lap, keeping track on the side on Whatsapp conversations on your cell phone. 

Sounds familiar?

Don’t fear, you are in good company. With the ease of access to and availability of digital devices and network you are seldom without a device.

You probably suffer from a modern phenomenon called Digital Distraction - a condition where one is distracted by a technology device (e.g., smartphone, laptop, tablet, television) whilst engaging in another activity.

The harsh reality of inviting your digital friends to your breakfast, lunch or dinner table is that it very likely to result in any one or more of the below symptoms:

• Overeating and obesity – you tend to eat more and don’t really pay attention to what is served on your plate and how much you eat. The brain is distracted and sends out the wrong signals to the body and does not process the taste or satisfaction on the palette.
• Indigestion - eating while engaging with a digital device can lead to indigestion as you are unable to process how much and what you are eating. You may overeat as a result, which could cause digestion problems.
• Strained relationships - you probably won’t engage or partake in enjoyable and informative conversations with family, friends or colleagues.
  

Mindful eating is about being fully present and giving attention to your eating experience, cravings and recognizing your hunger cues.  Fundamentally, mindful eating involves:

• eating slowly and without distraction
• listening to physical hunger cues and eating only until you’re full
• distinguishing between true hunger and non-hunger triggers for eating
• engaging your senses by noticing colours, smells, sounds, textures, and flavours
• eating to maintain overall health and well-being
• noticing the effects food has on your mood and  feelings
• appreciating your food

An increasing number of health professionals are advocating mindful eating practises to assist patients in managing eating disorders, depression, anxiety, weight loss or diabetes …

Tips to include mindful eating into to daily life -

• Enjoy your food – sit at a table on a upright chair eating with a knife and fork. Savour every bite, chew slowly before you swallow. 
• Share a meal - transform your meal break into a pleasant event by sharing it with family, friends or colleagues. 
• Put food on the agenda - schedule regular mealtimes in your diary because if you don’t, someone or something else will fill the gap for you. 

As much as digital devices are an essential aspect of our daily lives, so is keeping a balance between digital and human relationships.  If unmanaged it can undermine your mental and physical wellness resulting in a multitude of illnesses and disorders.

Shop at ZuZanna’s Wellness for a broad range of healthy snacks and food options to fit your particular lifestyle choice - keto, diabetic, lowcarb, gluten free or sugar free.

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