Very soon many of us will be sitting around the table with friends and family, enjoying some delicious food and wonderful conversation…ahhhh, Thanksgiving! I’ve been thinking back on some of my most favorite family meals and get togethers, and there was something that came to mind, something my grandpa would say before a meal…
“Shall we say thanks so we don’t get indigestion!”
I’m not sure if this came to mind because I was thinking of him, Thanksgiving, or the fact that I recently finished up my latest educational adventure, and digestion was on my mind. Either way, it had me thinking…while my grandpa was being silly (or rather wanting us to give thanks to God for our food), he was definitely on to something there!
Rest and Digest
Have you ever heard the term “rest and digest”? Our body needs to be in the “rest and digest” state when we eat, this means we want our parasympathetic nervous system activated. Makes sense, right?!? Unfortunately, many of us eat in the sympathetic state, aka “fight or flight”. We are eating on the run, distracted, super fast…not very conducive to some good digestion. When we eat like this, we often notice bloating, gas, burping…indigestion. So, what can you do to help?
Slow Down
First things first, slow things down! Instead of eating on the run or in front of your computer (been there!), take a moment and step away, sit down. Then, bring in some good old mindfulness. Turn off the distractions…the TV, your phone. Look at your food, smell your food. After that, try taking a few deep breaths before your first bite. Give some gratitude for the food in front of you, the people that grew/raised it, the people that brought it to the place you purchased it. You get where I’m going with this. These steps will help your body get into that “rest and digest” state, and properly prepare the digestive system to do it’s thing!
So, this Thanksgiving (or any meal), take a moment to give thanks…it may leave you with a happy tummy and happy heart.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Stephanie