Every now and then, we overeat. As a result we have that bloated, uncomfortable feeling of being too full. What to do?

The most natural way to work with the results of too much food is to walk. Walk for several blocks, or a couple of km if you live in the country. Walk outdoors if at all possible. Walk in your local mall if that is what makes a walk happen. But do walk.

You will find very soon all the symptoms shifting as your body does what it needs to do, digest the large meal, but does so in much more ease. The muscle action and motion of your walk increases the blood flow and oxygen to parts of your body most in need. That blood flow and oxygen mean the whole process of digestion will occur more easily.

Walk whenever you can.

Next, if you cannot walk, stand on the spot at home and begin to "march on the spot." This exercise has the same effect, but allows you to stay indoors. So for example people who are dealing with another health issue which makes leaving their home difficult, or for those who are taking care of others and need to be available at all times, for young mothers who may not want to bundle all the kids up and take them on the walk or to the mall, marching on the spot will help. And the kids will enjoy it too! If you have symptoms such as bloating and a feeling of being too full after every meal, consult your doctor.

Occasionally, for some people the problem is undereating. I know that may seem difficult to believe if you are a person who gravitates to food like a lead ball to the ground, but some people simply do not accept food easily. If this is the case, walking will help you too. Walk before you plan to eat. Again walking outdoors is best since the air, especially if you live away from the main urban areas, has more oxygen usually than what is indoors. But if outdoors is out of the question, walk inside. Try going to the mall with a pair of running shoes or good walking shoes and simply walk. Some malls now have walking clubs, for people who want to keep fit through walking all year round.

If leaving the house is difficult for you, the same advice applies as above: march on the spot. Ten or fifteen minutes of a brisk march, bringing your knees up high, perhaps to some pleasant music will help to stimulate your stomach juices.

Take care to stop at fifteen minutes or so. Overdoing the exercise, doing it too strenuously will result in tummy trouble if you try to eat right away.

So mild regular exercise is a great boost for those who shy away from food, and a great release for those who overindulge.

We all know food is good for our bodies, but did you know food is also a natural way to help us train our minds? By being more aware of how and what you eat, you will find yourself becoming more aware of other moments in your life too.

One of the most important ingredients to eating well and digesting fully is the state of mind. It is very important to notice your state of mind around food. A pleasant sense of anticipation, particularly when you are hungry, an easy interest in what is available and what you might possibly enjoy, a sense of the pleasure of the taste and touch of food all bring immediate results of pleasure and sometimes joy.

We sometimes move too quickly toward our food, begin eating and hardly notice the colors, smells, textures and flavors. If you find this is true for you try to slow down a little. Make eating a way in which you bring your mind to the moment: pay attention to what is going into your body and how you feel about it. Allow yourself to sense what happens in your stomach after you eat. Does the food feel good inside? Do you have a sense of satisfaction, or being comfortable, happy? These are the feelings accompanying a good relationship to food.

If you are one who goes too quickly to just getting the food in, or perhaps eats while purposely distracting yourself through t.v., radio, magazines or book, try turning off all the other distractions and focusing on food. Choose a meal during which you may have a few extra minutes and devote this time to exploring your senses.