Body & Soul with Gail Harris

Help YourSelf
Savor Your Food

It's probably no accident that fast food, fast lifestyles and the diet boom have all flourished at the same time. One of the easiest ways to pack on the pounds is to eat when you are actually doing something else-driving, working at your desk, or watching TV. But with our hectic lives, sometimes it seems the only way to squeeze lunch in at all, is to grab it quickly, and eat it even faster.

Like most lifestyle changes, mindful eating takes some commitment and dedication. But it's incredible how the simple act of noticing and relishing your food, preparing it yourself, and taking the time to really taste it, can revolutionize your diet.

Science shows that it takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get the "I'm full" signal from your belly. The single most important thing you can do to help your digestion function more efficiently, and begin a more healthy relationship with your food is to slow down. Take a moment to smell your food. Notice how it looks. Savor each bite.

Remember to chew thoroughly. It will help your digestion, and you'll absorb more nutrients. Whether or not you are watching calories, drink lots of water during your meal and all through the day. Nutritionists recommend 8-10 glasses a day.

Instead of worrying about eliminating your favorite foods, try instead to add nutritious foods to your diet. If you have an apple for a snack, you may still want those potato chips. If you do, go ahead! Enjoy them! However, you may find sooner or later your body will naturally crave the more healthy foods, and your cravings for other things will diminish.

Finally, avoid over-processed and refined foods. Why eat artificial colors and flavors when the real ones taste so much better? Mindful eating is a delicious and sensible way to nurture both your body and your soul. And remember, thank the chef!

Program Description
Geneen Roth
The Zen of Eating
The Problem Isn't Food
Tell Me More
Help YourSelf
Body & Soul is currently airing Monday-Friday at 7:00pm and 8:30pm on PBS YOU.

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