Focus on chewing and tasting, it will have a tranquilising effect.

It is established in neuroscience that the sympathetic nervous system excites us – that’s the part that ‘winds us up’. Meanwhile the parasympathetic nervous system relaxes us – ‘that’s the part that chills us out’. Both nervous system functions are necessary if we are to experience movement and agility in a balanced state.

Trouble is that in our stressful daily living, the ‘winding up’ mechanism is over-stimulated, whilst the ‘chilling out’ part is often suppressed. Now here’s the good news – eating mindfully activates the parasympathetic nervous system – it acts like a tranquilizer. So, having healthy snacks is good to stabilize your mood – and when you are in a good mood you automatically become smarter. Planning your day to include time to eat a healthy lunch and a few healthy snacks, is really smart. But don’t forget the essential ingredient in this practice is to eat slowly, paying attention to chewing and tasting your food. So, eating while answering e-mails, or texting, will not cut it.

For creative ideas on healthy lunch packs read this article.

If you would really like to get into caring for your, and your family’s nutrition, go to ‘The Nutritional Institute’ site to find out so much more. Also they have an excellent book, or you could even buy a place on their on-line course.

The 12 Steps to Wholesome Nutrition online course is a no-nonsense educational approach to food, nutrition and lifestyle. It is not a ‘diet’, but a powerful transition into a cleaner, healthier way of eating for the rest of your life. With a strong focus on your genetic uniqueness, you will be guided towards self-empowerment, as opposed to being reliant on a particular product or programme. There is also a book that you could find here.

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