The “rawdogging” trend has swept the travel world, but now a nutritionist is encouraging people to bring it to their dinner tables, citing unexpected health benefits.
The rawdogging trend has captivated globetrotters by encouraging them to put aside typical distractions like phones, books and music on long journeys, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Now, nutritionist Kyle Crowley is urging people to apply this approach to their eating habits.
In today’s world, most meals are accompanied by distractions such as phones, tablets or television, particularly during evening meals.
However, the Protein Works expert suggests that ‘rawdogging’ meals – eliminating these distractions – can yield surprising health benefits.
He pointed out that this practice of “mindful eating” compels individuals to concentrate on their food and its purpose, rather than mindlessly consuming it. Consequently, people tend to eat at a slower pace, which aids digestion and helps diners recognise when they are truly satiated.
The expert elucidated: “Eating mindfully allows you to be fully aware of the flavours, textures, and satisfaction of your food, which can improve digestion and prevent overeating. When you focus solely on eating, your body can better manage the digestive process. This means chewing thoroughly and eating slowly, which promotes efficient breakdown of food and reduces the risk of digestive issues like bloating and discomfort.”
This approach could also serve as a straightforward lifestyle adjustment for those aiming to control their portions and manage weight. Being completely engaged with one’s meal enables individuals to more accurately “tune into your body’s hunger and fullness signals” and foster a positive relationship with food, the specialist noted.
Moreover, avoiding distractions during meals can enhance nutrient uptake, as being preoccupied while eating redirects blood flow away from the digestive system, leading to suboptimal absorption of nutrients. Coupled with leisurely eating, this practice may also diminish the likelihood of indigestion and gastrointestinal complications.
Kyle also cautioned against physical distractions during mealtime, which many consider harmless multitasking habits, highlighting that: “Walking or engaging in other activities while eating can lead to indigestion and discomfort as the body struggles to process food properly.”
“Multitasking during meals can lead to improper digestion, causing issues like indigestion and heartburn. Focusing on your food allows your digestive system to function efficiently, minimising these risks.”
Lastly, mindful eating can also enhance your metabolic health by allowing the body to focus on metabolising food more efficiently without distractions. Kyle revealed this can help people manage a myriad of potential health issues: “By focusing on the food you consume alone, your body can better regulate blood sugar levels and energy metabolism, contributing to overall metabolic efficiency and aiding in preventing metabolic disorders.”
Rawdogging your meals can also be an enjoyable experience as Kyle urged: “This mindful eating practice encourages you to appreciate the food you are consuming, understand why you are eating it, and really enjoy the flavours, making each meal a delightful experience! It is the simple act of doing nothing other than enjoying our meals that can significantly help make our bodies feel better. It’s time to make ‘raw dogging’ our meals the next big wellness trend.”