By Kathy D’Agati

You get busy and start cutting corners. At first, it seems like no big deal.

In fact, you might have thought you accomplished more in your day.

I wonder if you still feel that way.

You may want to challenge your thinking if your answer is yes.

There was a time not long ago when we lead the world in production, innovation, and creativity. Things were very different back then. I am old enough to remember.

When you went to work, everyone had a lunch hour. (Can you imagine that? An hour to eat your lunch!) The idea of sitting at your desk to eat was unthinkable. It was considered unsanitary, messy, and highly unprofessional.

And guess what? A lot was accomplished, and the obesity rate was about 13%. Today it ranges anywhere from 23-39% (different states have much higher rates than others.)

Of course, lunch alone was not to blame but how we eat matters a great deal.

How many times have you had to look at your plate to see if you ate your lunch?

How satisfying do you think that meal was if you don’t even remember eating it? Did it leave you feeling energized, refreshed, and ready to take on the rest of the day?

I doubt it.

We eat with all our senses. Sight, smell, texture, and atmosphere all play a role in how we experience our meal.

Try this experiment today. Pick a time in the early afternoon when you are going to have your lunch. Schedule it on your calendar like you would any other important commitment.

When the time comes, walk away from your desk and all your devices. If your lunch is prepared ahead of time, you may only need 15 minutes. (If you can’t spare 15 minutes, we really need to talk)

Put your lunch on a plate and take a moment of gratitude. This will help you transition your thoughts from work to personal time.

Sit at a table and eat. Put your fork down between bites and chew your food. Your stomach doesn’t have teeth. You need to take a few moments to break your food down before you swallow. The longer you chew your food, the sweeter it becomes and the better digestion you have. Savor every bite.

Do this and I guarantee you can eat less food and still feel satisfied.

Imagine how nice it will feel going back to your desk refreshed and content.

I bet you get a lot more done too.

C’mon, be a rebel.

Kathy D’Agati is a Certified Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach specializing in autoimmune disease, food sensitivities and chronic health conditions. She can be reached at: kathy@backtobasicwellness.com