01/10/2025
THE MINDFULNESS-PERFORMANCE LINK:
Taking 15-20 minutes to eat a meal SCREEN FREE isn’t just about being polite at the dinner table. It’s about setting your body up to train harder, recover faster, and get better results. ⬇
When we eat in a rushed or distracted state, our body tends to stay in “fight or flight” mode. Elevated stress hormones like cortisol can slow digestion, make it harder to absorb nutrients, and increase cravings for quick, high-calorie foods.
On the flip side, eating without distractions encourages a “rest and digest” state (parasympathetic nervous system activation), which improves nutrient absorption, helps regulate blood sugar, and supports better recovery from training.
This is one reason why elite athletes often prioritize calm, focused meals before and after workouts. It directly impacts their fuel utilization and recovery... and it impacts yours, too!
Mindfulness also supports training consistency and adaptation. When we’re more aware of how food and training make us feel, we can make better real-time adjustments: from tweaking pre-workout meals to noticing early signs of under-recovery. Research shows that people who practice mindfulness-based eating habits tend to have lower perceived stress, improved sleep, and more consistent energy levels; all of which enhance strength and hypertrophy gains. 💪
The bottom line: Practicing mindfulness at mealtimes is a small shift that creates a ripple effect - improving digestion, energy, mental clarity, and recovery so you can show up stronger. 💯💯