5 ways to avoid digestive problems on the go

Have you overbooked yourself again? Are you left with precious little time for meals and snacks? It's time to adjust your priorities so "healthier eating habits" are a little closer to the top of your to-do list:

Pick digestion-friendly foods. Your busy schedules may mean you hit the drive-through or takeout counter. When you're ordering, keep two "F" words in mind: fibre and fat. Fibre is your friend. It promotes digestive health and can be found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as in beans, peas, and lentils. Fat can be your foe, so consume it minimally, especially when you're on the go. Fat takes a long time to break down and digest, leading to constipation, gas, and indigestion. Also avoid spicy foods and drinks that are caffeinated or carbonated.

Don't eat while distracted. You may be in a rush and cut corners by eating while you drive or while you work. But mindlessly rushing through meals and snacks does your body no favours. Set aside 20 minutes in your schedule to eat with your full attention, and you're bound to suffer less indigestion. And you'll also be able to pick up on your body's "I'm full" cues, preventing overindulging.

Choose to chew more. Your mouth isn't just a place for food to pass through. A lot of work goes on in there to moisten and break apart food to kick-start digestion. And when you take time to chew your food, you'll avoid gulping air, which can cause indigestion, bloating, constipation, and gas.

Take a post-meal break. Even when you're on the go, you can still find a few minutes to relax after you've finished eating. It could be as simple as a few deep breaths, an enjoyable chat with your meal mate, or a walk around the office before you return to work.

Head off the hurt before it happens. We all eat too much or too fast every now and then. Maybe you were chatting on your cell phone as you ate, or you scarfed down supper so you'd make it to soccer practice pickup on time. Keep over-the-counter products that help the digestive system on hand so that you're not adding a stop to the pharmacy in your already busy schedule.

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