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Day 15: Discovering the Power of Slow Eating

Thanks for taking the time to connect with my holistic health journey daily thoughts!

A New Habit Unveiled

Today marks a significant milestone in my Precision Nutrition journey, as I delve into the transformative habit of slow eating. This habit is one of the PN's anchor habits and the concept, though seemingly straightforward, unveiled a profound realization about my eating pace. It turns out, I've been racing through meals without even noticing and I don't remember when that started. I wonder if this is due to being bottle fed as a baby (not paced)? As a lactation consultant I have read the studies about bottle feeding and how that impacts people long term.

The image shows a woman sitting at a wooden table filled with wholesome foods. She's about to eat a salad, with a variety of colorful vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and greens on her plate. A sense of calm radiates from her serene expression. Natural light streams in through a nearby window, bathing the room in a warm, welcoming glow and highlighting the fresh produce on the table, which includes avocados, citrus fruits, and a juice. The setting suggests a quiet, mindful moment during a meal in a cozy, sunlit space.

The Experiment at the Dinner Table

In an effort to embrace this new habit, I embarked on a simple yet effective experiment during my weekend dinners. By consciously placing my fork down between bites and sipping my drink, I aligned my meal's end with the rest of my family's. This small change not only made my meals more enjoyable but also highlighted a stark difference in eating habits within my family. Interestingly, none of my family members, who naturally eat slower and who all were breastfed, face weight challenges, underscoring the potential impact of this habit on my own journey. 

Reflecting on the Roots of My Fast Eating

This observation at the dinner table led me to ponder the origins of my fast eating. Could it be traced back to being bottle-fed as an infant, in contrast to the breastfeeding experience of my family members who are all normal weights and never had any issue around weight gain like me? The lack of bottle pacing and self-regulated fullness might have set the stage for my hurried eating habits. 

Additionally, the role of emotional eating, potentially stemming from past traumas, cannot be overlooked in this complex equation.

Embracing Movement and Mindfulness

Parallel to the nutrition lessons, the program continues to emphasize the importance of physical activity and mental well-being. The guided meditation sessions have become a cherished part of my daily routine, offering a sense of peace and grounding. Coupled with regular walks, these practices not only enhance my physical fitness but also contribute to a holistic sense of accomplishment and well-being.

Moving Forward with Mindfulness

As I integrate slow eating into my daily routine, I am keenly aware of the journey ahead. It's not just about changing how I eat, but also understanding and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to my eating habits. With each mindful bite, I'm not just nourishing my body; I'm also healing and understanding it better.

This new habit is more than a dietary change; it's a step towards a more mindful, balanced, and healthy lifestyle. As I continue on this path, I am reminded of the power of small changes and the profound impact they can have on our overall well-being.

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