Food and Breath

The Connection between Food and your Breath.

We all know the connection between the breath and the mind. The internet is flooded with breathing techniques to reduce stress, feel happier, calmer, manage the anxious mind and even handle a panic attack.

But did you know that your food habits and your breath has a strong connection too? Food is one of our biggest compulsions. Eating almost happens on ‘auto pilot’ (without conscious awareness) for most of us. We are well aware of all the possible super foods and their benefits and even the ‘rules’ to healthy eating. But some how most of us find it difficult to implement it.

Portion Control & Breath

Ayurveda says the starting point to most of the diseases is over eating. Eating more than what your body needs. ‘Portion Control’ is the most challenging bit to eating healthy. Even if you eat the healthiest food on the planet more than what your body needs, it works against you!

Most of us use our will power to control the amount we eat and we all know how difficult it is to do that every single time! We all experience something called will power fatigue some or the other time. Before we tell ourself ‘Thats enough’ we’ve already crossed the line.

Let's try a different approach! the next time you want to eat that favourite dessert without going overboard or your favourite samosa without feeling stuffed (and guilty), try this out! Instead of relying on your will power (which is the function of your mind) try using your breath.

Take a few deep breaths before you start eating and watch your breath throughout while at it. Stay focused on the breath and notice the difference in the way you feel when you are eating.

If you practice some breathing exercises or even better some pranayama consistently everyday you’ll notice you wont have to depend on your willpower so much. You’ll be able to ignore your mind saying ‘just one more bite’