A Simple Breathing Technique To Curb Overeating

Maybe something so simple as taking a few conscious breaths can help us stay on track with our diet, even when holiday temptations abound.

Conscious breathing - or being attentive to the sensations of inhalation and exhalation - relaxes the body, heightens sensory perceptions, and brings us into the present moment. In this state we are more likely to make wise food choices, and avoid overeating.

Breathe To Save Room

Here is an easy but effective conscious breathing technique from Rebecca Clio Gould, a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. She calls it “Save Room for Breath.” It requires little time and minimal effort, and might make staying on track at mealtime a little easier.

When sitting down for a meal, or snack:

1. Before eating, take a few moments to breathe. With eyes open or closed (closed is recommended) notice the air entering your nose, and enjoy its cooling passage down your windpipe. Revel in the sense of fulness created as your stomach expands, and lungs fill. Then, notice how the body softens as soothing warm air is exhaled. As few as three of these conscious breaths will do.
2. Now, with eyes open (or closed) begin eating. Eat slowly, maintaining the same sense of ease and fulness you experienced while breathing. Know that each breath is reaching and nourishing all the body’s cells. Throughout the meal, respiration should remain free and light.

Breathing into an overstuffed belly is not only physically uncomfortable, but can trigger guilty thoughts, and feelings of remorse or shame. By paying attention to our breath, we can choose to put the fork down before an overindulged stomach starts to crowd the lungs and fight with our waistband.

Follow The Air

Conscious breathing, because it reminds us to chew food slowly and thoroughly, also helps us avoid problems such a heartburn, and indigestion. When the body is relaxed and processing a manageable amount of food, our digestive organs function more efficiently. Chances are, fewer antacids will be required, and glucose levels are more likely to remain stable, as well.

Breath in...Breath out...Follow the air...Notice how your body relaxes...Notice how your body reacts...From the tips of your toes...Feel them resting...Relaxing...Let your feet loose...Breath in...Breath out...Notice how that feeling of relaxation propagates up through your entire body...Feel the air...” ~ K.J. Kilton, Bella’ s Dilemma

Source: OmTimes