Meditate Better with Better Nutrition: How Eating Well Can Enhance Your Mindfulness Practice
The Connection Between Food and Mindfulness
How Eating Well Can Enhance Your Mindfulness Practice
Many of us have meditated and realized how effective it is at lowering stress, enhancing focus, and improving general wellbeing. Did you know, though, that your practice of mindfulness can also be impacted by the foods you eat? Today I would like to share with you tips for eating mindfully so that you can take your meditation practice to the next level. There are specific foods that will enhance your meditation experience and ones to avoid!
The Connection Between Nutrition and Meditation
When we think of meditation, we often focus on the mental aspect: calming the mind, focusing on the breath, and cultivating inner peace, when in fact the body plays an equally important role in the practice of meditation.
The foods we eat provide the raw materials our brain needs to function properly. Important nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and magnesium, work to support brain health and reduce stress. We need to get these nutrients from the food we eat, along with the energy we need to stay focused and energized.
On the other hand, a diet high in sugar, processed foods, and saturated fats can contribute to inflammation (we talked about this last week!), brain fog, and mood swings. On top of all that, our digestive system plays a crucial role in our overall wellbeing. When we eat foods that are difficult to digest, our body has to work harder to break them down, which can lead to feelings of heaviness, sluggishness, and discomfort. I find it difficult to sit and focus when meditating but with an upset digestive system this is even more difficult!
Eating Mindfully to Support Your Practice
So how can we eat in a way that supports our meditation practice? Here are some tips:
Slow down and savor your food. When we eat mindfully, we're more aware of the flavors, textures, and smells of our food. This can help us tune into our body's signals of hunger and fullness, and prevent overeating.
Eat whole, unprocessed foods. Foods that are close to their natural state, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, provide the most nutrients and are easiest for our body to digest. The food that comes in the packages with a long list of ingredients should be avoided!
Choose foods that support brain health. Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds. These have been shown to support brain health and reduce inflammation. Dark leafy greens, nuts, and legumes are good sources of magnesium, which can help us calm down and will reduce stress and anxiety.
Avoid foods that can disrupt your practice. Processed foods, refined sugar, caffeine, and alcohol can all contribute to inflammation, mood swings, and digestive issues. While it's fine to indulge in these foods occasionally, it's best to limit them if you want to support your meditation practice.
Foods to Enhance Your Meditation Experience
While any nutritious, whole foods can support your meditation practice, here are some foods that are particularly beneficial:
Berries: Easy and simple, berries are high in antioxidants, which can protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation. They're also a good source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. No one wants to listen to their belly rumbling when meditating!
Dark chocolate: My all time favorite suggestion! Dark chocolate contains compounds that can improve mood and cognitive function. Just make sure to choose a brand that's low in sugar and high in cocoa content. I highly recommend that you choose 70% cocoa or higher and choose a good quality free-trade brand.
Green tea: Green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that can promote relaxation and reduce stress but it won’t make you drowsy during your meditation. It also contains caffeine, which can help improve focus and mental clarity. I recommend looking for an organic choice!
Avocado: This is another favorite super food! Avocado is high in healthy fats, which can help support brain function and reduce inflammation. It is also a superhero in the fiber and B-vitamins that will help you stay focused and motivated for your meditations!
Are you looking to get even healthier?
Are you feeling wired but tired and need to improve your mental clarity and focus? Could you use some support figuring out what foods you could add to your everyday diet to support getting your meditations to the next level? Curious about how nutritional health coaching can help you make healthy changes? Let’s talk! Schedule an initial complimentary consultation with us today—or pass this offer on to someone you care about! Visit www.noshoesnutrition.com and sign up for a FREE consultation. We work with people from all over the world individually or in groups, so don’t let anything hold you back!
