RELAX...then eat

There's something to be said for saying grace before eating, but even if praying isn't for you, taking a moment to calm yourself, center and breathe before eating will do wonders for your digestive system. 

Your digestive track only works when you’re in a parasympathetic state. In other words, if you are stressed, driving (one of my classic eating practices before I knew any better!) or shoving food in your mouth while you’re running out the door, your digestive track is essentially out-of-commission until you settle down. Thus, all of that food sits in your gut putrefying and waiting for a relaxing moment. So, take a seat, take a breath and enjoy your food. Your digestive track will thank you a million times over, and you will feel so much better.
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Chew slowly: about 30 - 60 chews per bite. It’s helpful if you set your fork down after each bite and take a deep breath as you chew.

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