Daily life can get busy and get the best of all of us, it’s easy to rush through meals without truly appreciating the nourishment our bodies receive. Mindful eating encourages us to engage our senses, be present in the moment, and create a connection with the food we consume.
Breaking Free from Emotional Eating
Many of us have experienced turning to food for comfort during times of stress or emotional distress. Mindful eating encourages us to identify and address emotional triggers, helping us break free from the cycle of emotional eating and make healthier choices.
Realizing and identifying what and how these triggers happen can help break the cycle of emotional eating. Taking note of things like how your day went, was there a stressful event that caused the emotional eating. Working backwards though your day to find the trigger and be aware of it ahead of time.
Savoring the Moment
In a world filled with constant multitasking, meals often become just another task on the to-do list. Mindful eating encourages us to savor the experience, allowing us to enjoy the textures and flavors of our food fully. By slowing down, we give our bodies the chance to signal when they are satisfied. Take distractions out of eating. Leave the phone alone, turn the TV off, sit at the table. Make your meal the priority and nothing else.
Developing a Healthy Relationship with Food
Mindful eating is not a diet; it’s a holistic approach to nourishing both the body and the mind. It
promotes a balanced and intuitive approach to eating, where food is viewed as a source of energy and nourishment rather than a source of guilt or restriction.
Practical Tips for Mindful Eating
- Turn off distractions: Put away phones, computers, and TVs to fully focus
on your meal. - Chew slowly: Take the time to chew each bite thoroughly, appreciating
the taste and texture. - Check in with your body: Pause mid-meal to assess your hunger and
fullness levels. Stop when you feel about 80% full. This should feel like
you could eat 5-8 more bites, but if you did you would be over full.
Embracing mindful eating is a journey toward a healthier relationship with food. By incorporating this practice into our daily lives, we can transform the way we eat, break free from unhealthy habits, and ultimately nourish both our bodies and minds. Let every meal be an opportunity to savor the richness of life and the nourishment it brings.
