“Food is our common ground, a universal experience.” – James Beard

Food and eating is a wonderful experience which brings people together to enjoy even the simplest of foods.

Overeating though has been a trending pastime particularly in wealthier countries. This often happens just after a meal when we realise it’s already too late. I know I’ve been there!

There has been research (50 years in fact) to show overeating can cause premature aging. [1][2] In addition, it invariably causes weakness from lack of nourishing foods and digestive upset.

By overeating, especially rich and processed foods can lead to popular diseases such as obesity, cancer and diabetes. 

Simple steps to avoid overeating:

1. Eat until you are 60-70% full: A helpful way to do this is to eat slower as you will give your body time to realise this. Faster eaters tend to feel overly full a couple of minutes after which is often too late!

2. Master the art of chewing: By simply chewing, your saliva helps to release the full nutritional value of the food which allows your stomach to digest properly. Without adequate chewing between each serve can leave you feeling heavy and dull.

3. Drink more water: Fresh water will detoxify you body and get rid of toxins. Dehydration is often mistaken for hunger. Start the day with a glass of water and remember to drink at least 8 cups a day. Add lemon or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to curb cravings.

References:

[1] Combs, G.F.Jr., Selenium in global food systems. British Journal of Nutrition 85 (5) : pp 517 – 547, May 2001

[2] Rayman, M.P. The importance of Selenium to human health. Lancet 356 (9225): pp 233-241, July 15, 2000