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10 Good Eating Habits Written by John Joseph Immel, Asheville, NC

Help with Joyful Belly | Introduction to an Ayurvedic Diet | 10 Good Eating Habits

Digestion & Blood Flow

Did you know that digestion takes up to 60% of our daily metabolism? Most of the energy and fluids used for digestion are supplied through the blood. Thus, digestion is only as strong as the blood and circulation to digestive organs. Work, emotion, stress and even conversation pull blood from digestion. That's why we should relax when we eat. Some foods, like cold drinks, cause restricted blood flow to the stomach. We should avoid all activities that divert blood from the digestive tract.

The first fifteen minutes after eating are crucial. A massive increase of blood flow to the digestive tract brings fluid to acid-producing glands lining the stomach. The corresponding lack of blood in the mind makes us feel sleepy. It's important to relax during this time of sleepiness, even to the point of reclining on the left side. Humans should yield to digestion, giving the body the time, space and blood it needs to properly digest food. After the stomach fills with fluids, blood will be released for other activities. Energy and alertness will return to the mind. Then alas, the afternoon siesta ends and we are ready to reclaim the day.

10 Good Eating Habits

Here are ten habits to improve blood flow and digestion.

• Wait for the signs of true hunger
• Eat the same time every day. The stomach likes to be on schedule.
• A simple glass of warm water twenty minutes before a meal can improve digestive function by as much as 24%.
• Relax while eating and for fifteen minutes afterwards.
• Eat simple food combinations
• Avoid cold drinks or food.
• Baby the digestion after a tough day with time-tested soups.
• Completely chew and mix food with saliva.
• Fill stomach 1/3 full with food, 1/3 with water, and 1/3 empty
• Eat a simple breakfast, a hearty lunch, and a gentle dinner

Warm 101 degree soups prevent Dry Stomach Syndrome. It likes tea, steamed veggies, soups. The stomach struggles more with raw, cold foods and excessivley irritating foods like chilies.

Improper Eating Habits

Improper eating habits lead to poor digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food. In ancient times, Indian monks worshipped agni, the god of fire. In the body, agni is the digestive fire. The monks were careful protect their digestive fire, which is the sacred fire that fuels and nourishes the blood and all other metabolic activity. Poor digestion leads to formation of ama and altered blood chemistry. In addition to following the principles above, here are some other habits to avoid:

• Snacking between meals
• Excess fats, proteins, sweets, sour, and salty foods
• Eating heavy foods late at night / sleeping after eating.
• Eating too much or too soon after a meal
• Eating while constipated, gasey, burping, or any other digestive distress.

Good eating habits are a struggle for everyone. Read about common reasons for poor diet choices, food cravings and a seven step plan for eliminating them.

Eating for the Season

Spirituality of Food

Eat the Same Time Every Day

Eat Slowly with Contemplation on the Food

Drink Your Food and Chew Your Water

Drink Water Before a Meal, Not After

A Handful is a Healthy Portion

Rest After Eating on the Left Side

Contact joseph@joyfulbelly.com if you would like to 1) republish this article in another journal; 2) send comments and edits; 3) submit your own articles on Joyful Belly; or 4) request additional topics!