Chewing

[Queen Bean]

Is chewing well something you consciously think about?

If so, has your digestion improved since doing so?

What about when you drink smoothies and juices? Do you gulp them down or still try to chew them...so to speak...?

[rawcanuck]

I don't think you necessarily think about chewing.....I think it's more of a reflux action. I still try to chew my smoothies lol

[Queen Bean]

maybe i should have said consciously 'incorporate'...

i am really going to start being mindful of this, without going overboard and counting 100 mouthfuls per bite and taking 4 hours to eat a salad or something...

it is so much harder for the body when we don't chew properly.

i will have to be more aware of this when i drink nut milks...

i thought this would take the pleasure out of eating, but i am actually appreciating the food more...

[cinnamon panda]

i love to chew. i chew my smoothies. haha. the little pieces of berry or whatnot. swish around in my teeth. probably not a good idea for cavities...but.

hm. also once i gulped a thick smothie down and either scratched my esophagus or had pieces stuck in there for about 3 days. it HURT!!! i started freaking that i had some tumor or something. *i digress*

but i think it's good to chew. to let your tummy know something's coming down.:)

[Queen Bean]

i still eat some cooked food. my digestion isn't always perfect. so far so good with this new mindfulness in the chewing department...

[Lady Green Jeans]

Interesting thread. When I was enjoying a raw recipe today for a tart, each bite was savored. New flavors and textures. For me, I am finding that food is more enjoyable to eat raw than any of the dishes I have had cooked. Foods taste better and I feel better after I have eaten them. Don't really think about the chewing since it is natural to me. Now I do need to be aware to chew my smoothies, though, because I don't think I've been doing that.

[SmilingRawDancer]

Starch digestion begins in the mouth, so you're doing your body a favor by mixing your saliva with your smoothies/nut-milks etc. when you eat them.
You don't have to full on chew a smoothie, but...swish it around a bit. And maybe start brushing your teeth after every meal to avoid cavities. I've read that the fiber in fruits/veggies negates the sugar content of those foods somewhat, because the fiber sort of acts like a toothbrush against your teeth, but I still like to protect my teeth. The plaque thrives on glucose/sugars, so the sooner it leaves your teeth..the better. Brush!!!

[bodaflower]

Chew your food well, for the stomach has no teeth!

[Queen Bean]

Bodaflower...that is brilliant...

I am utterly amazed. This is my first day of conscious chewing. All I've eaten today is raw fruit and vegetables. Usually I am ravenous and often eat something cooked. At the very least I rely on denser raw foods such as nuts etc. But it is 8pm, and I am totally satisfied. This is bizarre. This is a MAJOR breakthrough for me...

[dreamrawalwz]

I NEED to do this. I'm sure it's partially what has contributed to so many intolerances and allergies to foods. I just don't like the texture of thuroughly chewed foods :rolleyes: too...smooth and warm and ewwww lol. The texture of a smoothie is ok because it enters my mouth in that form. What can I say? I'm weird!

[tinystrawberry]

yes, i indeed think about it. i don't usually chew juice (not needed), sometimes my smoothies do get a little thick and i chew 'em.
Great to "see" you Dream!!

[lore-ah]

I chew my smoothies a little bit. I don't have the greatest blender and there are a lot of pieces still in there.

[Raw Mom]

Ghandi said "chew your drink and drink your food". I had some wonderful revelations when I started consciously eating. Here's a meditation I give out. Give it a try.....


EATING MEDITATION

When portioning out what you are going to eat, take the time to feel what your body actually needs. Ask yourself what you need right at that moment. Sit and just eat. Do not carry on a conversation, no TV, no reading, no music……JUST eat. While seated, do a spinal twist to both sides. This will stimulate digestion. Before you lift your utensil, be grateful for all the hands that have come in contact with all that is before you, from those who have made your silverware to those who have prepared the food. From Mother Earth who may have grown what is there, or to the animal that gave its life for your food. Thank all. Take a small bite onto your utensil, lift it to your mouth, smell it, put it in your mouth, place the utensil down and chew your food until it is liquid, then swallow. Continue with this process until you are finished. Knowing that when your stomach is full may not be when the food is gone. Drinking while eating is not recommended. The liquid reduces the acid in your stomach that is used for digestion. If you have to drink something, it should be room temperature water ( I know this is not easy). When you are finished eating, rest. Take in what has happened and journal your experience.
:cool: :cool: :cool:

[Azura Skye]

when i was in college for some reason I really thought about chewing more - and I chewed sooo well. It amazed me how full i became, I really couldnt each all the food i had piled on my plate. i also lost weight.

I seem to be much worse at chewing now, it takes a few weeks of mental effort to do it, then it becomes natural - but chewing is very very good for you,,, im always trying to chew more.

[LivingRawGirl]

Chew your food well, for the stomach has no teeth!

Bodaflower, this is great!

I do try very hard to chew well. It seems to make a world of difference in my digestion, feeling full, and sometimes even in my attitude! And yes, I do chew my smoothies, whether they need it or not, it just "feels" right.

Great topic Queen Bean

[Eva]

Love the eating meditation. Even when I chew well, I don't think I take the time to enjoy my food and the work that went into it enough.

I read that you should chew each bite 25-50 times before swallowing. I have caught myself with only two chews, as though I am literally a human garbage disposal or something. No wonder I have had so many digestive issues in my life! I do (sometimes, now) try to get myself to chew the 25 minimum, and I have mentioned that information to my husband and stepkids. They have busted me before like this (actually, a few times!): "Eva! You only chewed 9 times!!!" haha. Those kids are quick on their toes. :)

[Queen Bean]

Well, after a few days of doing this I've changed my mind. I agree with you Dreamrawalwz about it being too warm and smooth. I take too long to eat...an hour to eat a small salad. I'm not saying it is not a good thing, but I don't like being so conscious of it. It is annoying. I think I am a pretty good chewer as is, as I am a slow eater. I usually finish my meal last. Oh well, that little enthusiasm is over... Now I have decided to take a vegetarian enzyme capsule after eating a cooked meal. Hopefully one day I'll be 100%, and won't take any. I do find it harder to digest cooked food when I am mostly raw, compared to being mostly cooked.

[Stina]

I recently incorporated some sprouted quinoa in my flax seed crackers and it was quite apparent in my....uhm, compost, so to speak. Does that mean it simply passed through the intestines without any nutritional absorption?