dining al fresco 🌿
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Let’s talk about why eating outside is fantastic for your gut and soul.
It’s not all about the literal food on our plate, it’s also about what’s off our plate that fuels us! It’s a truly symbiotic connection to producing optimum wellness. One small example of some soul-filling self care includes dining al fresco. There are some truly stellar benefits of eating outdoors, including —
1. IT’S MOOD BOOSTING
If you’ve been sitting at your desk all day, take some time to pop outside, take a deep inhale in and a deep exhale out before having a bite. When we’re exposed to sunlight, our vitamin D production kickstarts, naturally boosting our mood! Breath-work before eating has been proven to boost our metabolisms, as well as increase our ability to digest food! And bonus, dine with a partner, friend or loved one to boost those serotonin levels that come with companionship. Whether you step onto your patio at home or a restaurant or even picnic in a local park, enjoy the change in scenery, take in the fresh air and enjoy the natural boost!
2. IT SUPPORTS BRAIN HEALTH
We all tend to be more mindful when we’re outside — observing how the sunlight feels on our skin, listening to the rustling of the trees, the saturation of the sky, trees, etc. We’re truly able to see more clearly outside, as our body is able to function in a state of ease. Fight or flight turns off in this kind of relaxed, natural setting. Essentially, eating outdoors allows you to leave technology behind and enjoy your food without unnatural distractions.
3. IT REDUCES OVERALL STRESS
Studies have shown that spending time outdoors lowers our blood pressure and heart rate. So if you’re feeling a little on edge, go for a quick walk before responding to that email or go sip on your matcha latté (or better yet, lemon water!) outside. And also important to note, having dinner outside can also help your sleep better! The fresh air around you, laid back atmosphere and lack of blue light will rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, cueing you up for a restful night’s sleep.
4. IT LOWERS OUR RISK OF ILLNESS & DISEASE
As mentioned, the outdoors lessens stress and less stress boosts our bodies ability repair, strengthen overall immunity. Exposure to sunlight will increase our white blood cells and vitamin D levels, as well as lower cortisol production, aiding our immune system and decreasing our risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
5. IT’S BEAUTIFUL
We are what we eat and similarly, we are what we surround ourselves with. So, it’s essential to surround ourselves with beauty. Let’s gift ourselves the grace of eating outside, lighting a candle, playing uplifting music in the background while we eat or simply listen to the rustling leaves. Let’s plate our food in a way that brings us joy because it will ultimately fuel us in a more beautiful way, from a place of self love.
