I’ve heard people say that digestion begins with your eyes, when you look at your food.

I’ve heard people say that digestion begins in your mouth, when you start chewing.

Digestion actually begins in your mind, when you start thinking about your next meal or snack.

If it’s a sad salad you think you “should” eat, or a bland combo of chicken and vegetables you’re eating to “be good,” your body turns off.

You are not excited.

You wilt a little inside.

When it’s a beautiful plate of delicious, nourishing food you love, your body turns on.

Your mouth begins to water, and your digestive enzymes start flowing in anticipation of this delicious meal you actually want to eat – that your whole body is excited for.

Then what happens?

You digest your food 1000 times better, and walk away from your meal feeling nourished yet light…

… versus the sad salad that leaves your stomach bloated and upset, because your body did not want it – and because a big bowl of raw veggies is one of the toughest things to digest.

But that’s a different topic for a different day.

If your mouth is not watering in anticipation of your meal, your digestion probably isn’t at full capacity.

That’s why eating food you love and enjoying it guilt-free is key to great digestion, metabolism, mood, and energy.

When your digestion, metabolism, mood, and energy are intact, it’s much easier to heal your relationship with food and your body.

Intuitive eating comes easily, and you reach your health and body goals effortlessly.

How can you make sure you’re always looking forward to your meals, and therefore optimizing your digestion?

You don’t have to become a top chef or pro meal prepper tomorrow.

Here are a few things you can do today:

  • Take inventory of foods you’re eating that you don’t love – remove them or find a new way to cook them or season them so you love them.
  • Start choosing more of the foods you love – what are your favorite foods? What did you love as a child?
  • Add the seasonings you love – keep a nice variety of herbs, spices, and sauces on hand. 
  • Sit down in a beautiful environment whenever possible – clean, clear, and free of clutter. 
  • Take the time to chew, pause, and breathe throughout meals – this alone will transform digestion, even if you do nothing else.

These might sound basic – but trust me, they’re not.

I grew up with chefs, was helping with catering food prep as a teenager, worked in restaurants for a decade, and have a little bit of private chef experience… and I still need reminders sometimes!

Eating food you genuinely love is a huge piece of optimizing your digestion and getting your metabolism back.

Here’s the thing: Digestion is metabolism – the rate at which you break down and utilize your food.

When you eat foods you love, your body digests and assimilates all the nutrients much more easily.

You are worth the preparation.

You are worth the time.

You are worth the care.

You are worth the love.

How you nourish your body sets the tone for your entire life.

Choose foods you love, enjoy the experience of eating, and honor the privilege of being able to nourish your body.

Allow your experience of food and your body to be as pleasurable as possible, knowing that pleasure is key to health.

Do you find yourself eating the foods you think you should eat, or the foods you genuinely love?

Share with me in the comments below. 

XO,
Lula