Paying attention to the food we eat is important. Eating healthy food is the foundation for good health. However, we should also pay attention to how we eat. Eating your food properly helps with digestion and reduces the risk of overeating.

Most of us were taught as children not to talk with our mouths full of food. Proper eating goes beyond that rule. We need to consider how we chew our food. The digestive process starts with your chewing. When you chew your food properly the food is broken down into smaller pieces which are easier to digest. Chew your food slowly. Let your silverware rest between bites. Totally complete one bite before you start another one. There is a suggestion that you count to 32 with each bite. Not chewing your food properly can cause bloating, cramps, acid reflux, gas, and indigestion.

Do not rush the eating process. Research shows it takes 20 to 30 minutes for your stomach and digestive track to begin digesting and absorbing your food. When you eat your food fast it is harder to discern when you are full, so you eat more. Try to eat before you are hungry. If you wait until you are hungry you are likely to eat faster and eat more.

Make your meals an event. Focus on your food. Take away any distractions such as the television, cell phone or computer. If you are distracted you are more likely to eat more. Have you started eating a snack while watching TV and noticed that you ate more than you intended? The TV had your intention and you were not giving the food a lot of thought.

Think about your food before you eat it. Take a moment before you start diving in. Drink water before you start eating. Once you feel satisfied stop eating. I know as kids we were told we should clean our plates; however, if you feel full you can stop even if there is food left on your plate.

You should eat healthy foods and you should also eat those foods the right way. You may need to make changes to the way you have consumed your food in the past.