Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is all about eating the right amount for your body and taking the time to enjoy your food just by paying attention. This practice can also help you with digestion, weight management, and a reduction in emotional eating. Here are some tips on practicing mindful eating.

1.      Slow down, and pay attention

a.      Avoid distractions like your phone or the TV

b.      Chew your food thoroughly

c.      When you are at the halfway point of your meal, take a moment to check in with yourself, are you feeling full?

2.      Listen to your body

a.      Eat when you are hungry – this one can take some practice, but think about if there is a possibility you are eating because you are bored or stressed instead

b.      Stop when you feel satisfied, not full – this one is also tricky sometimes because I know I was taught that they were the same thing, but slowing down and tuning into yourself can really help with this with practice

c.      Take your time, give your brain the time it needs to receive the news that your body is satisfied

3.      Enjoy your food more

a.      Taste, texture, and smell are things that we sometimes forget to experience.

b.      When you confirm that you are hungry, pick foods you like, this will help you delight in the meal

c.      Take some deep breaths before eating to be present and relax, add some deep breaths in that halfway point, too!

Taking a moment to slow down and bask in the experience of eating can really help you in a lot of ways. Tuning into your body and listening to what it has to say can be incredibly empowering.