Mindful Eating

 

It sounds like it could be some sort of meditation while you eat, or reciting some complicated mantra before you pick up your spoon or dive your fingers into your bowl.

Well, in some ways, it can be that exactly. But let’s be practical. Most of us sit at our desks and wolf down our food in under 15 minutes because it’s far easier to do that than to walk t another part of the room even and sit somewhere else in order to take time away from your screen. You’d rather keep getting the job done, and eating is just a way to fuel yourself so that you can keep going for longer or just get it out of the way, no?
Oh, and eating your sandwich as your walking from one place to another… that is a NO NO!

Mindful eating is developing an awareness of how the food we choose to eat affects our bodies, our emotions and our thoughts, according to Diane Barth, LCSW, a therapist in New York City. “It’s also about listening without judgment to our body’s communications about what we want to eat and when we want to eat.”

I would say, think of mindful eating as a part of your lifestyle. I know it may not always be THE most practical thing to do at all meals, but perhaps begin with the one meal you think would be the most possible for this practice.

*Use all your senses and really enjoy and experience what is in front of you on your plate. Make note of textures too.

* How are you feeling? Take note of the sensations the food gives you. Think of where it came from. Think of who produced the ingredients.

*Slow down. Your brain needs about 20 minutes to get the signals that you are full. This should be the minimum time you take for your meal.

*Chew your food!

*Try not to watch TV or scroll your mobile. Pay full attention to your meal.

* Allow for space. This means that you mustn’t eat until you feel like the buttons on your jeans are about to pop! When you’re beginning to feel that your tummy is quite full and satisfied, that is when it’s time to stop.

I love this way of eating because it allows our senses to heighten and really appreciate something we all love so much : FOOD! And it’s also a great way to bond with others, by teaching them this skill as well!