Tip #23 Take your time

Now that our family has a rigid schedule for the first time ever (kindergarten) I find myself trying to get the kids to "hurry up and eat breakfast so we can get to school" and "hurry up and eat dinner" so we can get into bed and not be tired for school and "hurry up and eat snack" so they can do homework and a myriad of other activities.  Don't get me started about Sundays and making it to church.  Often we have resorted to races:  "whoever can finish before mom wins!"
But I have noticed that all this hurrying leads to hiccups, upset tummies and I hardly chew my food.  This is bad- very bad.  One of the best things you can do for yourself health-wise is take your time eating and enjoy your meal.  Chew thoroughly and make sure you are "present" while eating.  Don't try and do other activities, your mind just doesn't process the meal the same way and you come away less satisfied.  I heard a story on the radio about people who follow a raw food diet.  They don't eat anything that's been cooked.  Think about that one.  Grains?  They soak them and chew, chew, chew.  One raw food dieter said that is one of the best things about the diet- you have to chew the heck out of your food.  You really have to appreciate it's flavors, textures and take your time to eat.  You have all heard of other cultures and how they take their time to eat:  Japan and all those small dishes of different items plus using chopsticks usually = taking smaller bites.  European culture (especially French) who take a long time to enjoy many courses of foods.  This is far healthier than our uber fast lunches at the desk we are notorious for.  So, take a little more time.  As with anything that comes down to scheduling, it's all about priorities.  You gotta feel it's important enough to start a little earlier and enjoy your meal.

~Here's to Healthy Eating