While a healthy diet is crucial for one's well-being, it is equally important to pay attention to what you are eating rather than gulping the food down to get a job done. Most often, we have our meals on the go or while being glued to the television or cell phone. Research studies suggest that paying attention to eating can help one in many ways as we start developing a good habit to eating correctly, chewing the food well and appreciating the flavours too.
Our eating habits play an important role as they can help boost the process of digestion and the absorption of maximum nutrients. Likewise there are many habits that can hinder digestion and cause the build-up of toxins in the body. Here are some eating habits that one should avoid -
Watching TV: This is a common habit seen across Indian households. Watching TV while eating is not advised by experts as it may lead to binging or improper chewing as one is distracted.
Reading: Experts also advise against reading a book while eating. It is another form of distraction. While eating, it is important to concentrate on what's on the plate because eating in the right manner allows food to get digested properly.
Wrong posture: Did you know that you shouldn't stand and eat your food? Sitting is the best posture when it comes to eating your meals as is allows the food to digest properly. Bad posture may cause indigestion and lead to weight gain.
Talking and eating: Another rule we are often told is to not talk while eating as it may result in choking of the food pipe.
Avoid eating at the work desk: Most people are guilty of eating lunch on their work desk while carrying out various work errands. Since one is distracted with work tasks, attention is not paid to the food and the task of eating.
Avoid fruit between meals: Eating fruit between meals must be avoided in order to balance nutrition with carbohydrates.
Chew well: We have all heard it numerous times before that we should chew our food properly before swallowing, 32 times to be more precise. When we chew our food properly, it turns into small compounds which then ease the process of digestion.
Drinking excessive water: According to Ayurveda, drinking excessive water during and after meals can hamper the process of digestion by extinguishing agni, also known as digestive fire. The stomach should be filled with equal proportion of food, water and air and their amount should not overlap with each other.
Do not bathe just after a meal: Body needs relaxation of at least 10 to 15 minutes after a wholesome meal. Bathing immediately after eating should be avoided.