from our upcoming book Our Secret Book of Benefits
![After we started eating only when hungry, number of meals reduced from 3 to 2. Now, first meal of the day happens around noon, with dinner around 7 PM.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/10fb37_7486f403b36a45979a0ab764a0d29fc4~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_709,h_709,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/10fb37_7486f403b36a45979a0ab764a0d29fc4~mv2.jpeg)
Even before implementing slow cooking, we started focusing on respecting the hunger cues. It is a very simple and conscious act – eat only when fully hungry & don’t eat if there is no hunger. The enzymatic activity for digestion of the food is properly started only after hunger signals are initiated. So, if the food is taken when there is no hunger – its not digested fully, leading to chronic diseases. Proper satiety (fulfilment) signals also develop only when we eat after hunger cues. So, when we eat following hungry, overeating is avoided. Hunger and time are unrelated.
Here are some benefits of respecting hunger:
Improved Physical Health:
Weight Management: When we listen to our body's hunger cues, we eat only when truly hungry and stop when we are satisfied, which helped us in maintaining a healthy body weight.
Nutrient Intake: Honoring hunger ensured that we are getting the necessary nutrients that our body needs to function optimally.
Reduced Risk of Eating Disorders: Ignoring hunger leads to restrictive eating patterns and potentially contribute to the development of eating disorders.
Improved Mental Health:
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: When we are not constantly preoccupied with thoughts about food or feeling deprived, we experience less stress and anxiety.
Increased Self-Esteem: Developing a healthy relationship with food and our body boosts our self-esteem and body image.
Increased Energy and Focus:
When we are properly nourished, you have more energy and are able to focus better on our daily tasks.
How to Respect Hunger:
Tune In: Pay attention to your body's hunger signals, such as growling stomach, low energy, or irritability.
Eat Regularly: Don't skip meals, especially breakfast.
Avoid Distracted Eating: Focus on your food and savor each bite.
Practice Mindful Eating: Pay attention to your body's fullness cues and stop eating when you're comfortably satisfied.
Challenge Diet Mentality: Avoid restrictive diets and focus on nourishing your body with whole, unprocessed foods.
Be Patient: It takes time to learn to truly listen to your body's hunger cues.
अलविदा
****