Just this past week I was at a lecture about weight loss and the speaker reminded me of a very important key to weight loss — breathing!  Seems so simple and like it cannot possibly really help with weight loss right?  Well, actually if we are stressed, running around, or anxious when we eat it can really impact our digestive process in a negative way.  What happens is our body goes into sympathetic mode.  Sympathetic mode is like the fight or flight response that our body has during stressful time.  This mode in our body has an impact on our digestive system and makes it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients in our food and also can lead to weight gain.  Stress does not do our body good!  So, if you are looking to lose a couple extra pounds its time to slow down.  Take a deep breath.  Relax.  Eat Peacefully.  Take some time to sit down before a meal instead of rushing or eating on the go.  This puts your body back into parasympathetic mode and will make a difference in your health and your weight.  For more information take a look at this great read called The Slow Down Diet.