All forces of technology surround us. From our cellphones, personal laptops, tablets, and watches just to name a few. In today’s world the technology we use not only influences the way we communicate but also changes the way think about eating.
Some of the positive ways technology can help. Keeping us connected and providing an opportunity to share our experiences around the world. Staying on track by tracking your diet and exercise. Also, there are a ton of apps available that anyone can explore. From fitness, diet, health, workouts, and running all, of which can enhance your thinking towards what we may put in our mouth. Social media can be good in some ways as it allows you to show others what you are eating when you are eating and where. This awareness shows us what we are putting in our bodies and keeps us up to date on current food trends. It also holds us accountable to friends or groups that we may be part of for support.
On the other hand, technology can have more of a negative influence on eating, and here is maybe why. Essentially, it is allowing us to receive fast food EVEN faster in our homes and then into our mouths. Another habit is multitasking, although some people brag about their ability as a benefit. In contrast, it can prevent us from being present with what we are eating and noticing fullness.
In addition, consider digital insomnia, light from phones, television, and tablets are processed in our bodies the same as it is daylight. So, chances are if you are scrolling on your smartphone, iPad, or kindle in bed while watching TV your body is not thinking it is time for rest. Not getting proper sleep can make it harder for your body’s way in controlling the levels of hormones that regulate hunger.
Bottom-line technology is here to stay, and it is part of our lives. It has some negative effects but, in many ways, also offers many positives. Knowing the effects of each can help you in taking steps to identify what is best so that you can still enjoy using them without affecting your well-being. Check out this link for additional resources: Information on 5G – Environmental Health Trust (ehtrust.org)
Feel the need to un-plug try some of the 3 simple ways I try when recovering from technology overload:
- Get Outside…. In your spare time rather than mindless scrolling moving your body not only improves mood but allows you to become present with your body.
- Take a DEEP breath and reset your brain you can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, and in turn, slow down your heart rate and lower your blood pressure—creating a feeling of calm.
- Try some foods rich in Lutein and Zeaxanthin some research suggests these nutrients offer a possible mechanism of protection from filtering the blue light. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids known for giving vegetables their green and orange colors.
I love to cook so here is another one of my favorites go-to recipe rich in zeaxanthin:
SPINACH WALNUT SALAD
For Salad:
- 2 cups of Baby Spinach
- 1 cup of fresh strawberries sliced
- ¼ cup Walnuts whole or chopped
- 4 large button mushrooms sliced
- ¼ cup sliced red onion
Prepare all ingredients in a salad bowl toss gently.
For Dressing:
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 TBS maple syrup
- 2 TBS of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste put all ingredients in a bowl whisk together or add to a mason jar and shake! Pour over salad ingredients and serve immediately.
I think in life no matter what there are always pros and cons. What do you think? If you are interested in talking more about your eating habits or would like to share a recipe, I would love to hear from you.
-Sheryl