8 Tips For Eating Mindfully!!
What is Eating Mindfully? And Why is it Important??
Mindful eating, is exactly what it sounds like. To be mindful of what you are eating, how you are eating and how your food makes you feel. In today's fast paced life, we are always on the go, eating quick meals and more often than not, we are not savoring the meals we are eating.
Are you grabbing a granola bar on your way out of the door for work? Chances are you are eating the bar in the car and not savoring the way it tastes.
Do you put your phone away at meal time? It's possible you are losing an opportunity to thoroughly enjoy your meal and possibly your company.
Take a minute and ask yourself, are you taking time to enjoy your meals?
Why it Matters?
Digestion Starts in the BRAIN!!
When we are eating mindfully, your body's innate response when you see or smell food is to start to salivate.
The salivary glands are there aid in chewing your food and to produce enzymes that will help break down the digestion of your food!
You will learn to listen to your body!!
Are you hungry? Are you able to stop eating eating when sated (full)?
Learning to love the taste of certain foods; hopefully this can also make your more aware of unhealthy foods you are eating maybe do not taste that good or don't make your feel well after all!
Paying attention to foods that aren't serving you well
Are you ready to give it a TRY??
Let’s get started! 8 Tips for Mindful Eating!
Reflect; Before you start to eat, take in a few deep breaths, and ask yourself; are you rushed? Sad, bored, are you hungry? How does your food smell? Are you looking forward to eating?
Reflect; Before you start to eat, take in a few deep breaths, and ask yourself; are you rushed? Sad, bored, are you hungry? How does your food smell? Are you looking forward to eating?
Give gratitude for your meal; where it came from, who cooked it, that you have access to food.
SIT DOWN!!! Try not to eat on the go! Take a seat and savor your snack/meal. *If you must eat on the go; reflect! And savor what you are eating as if you were sitting down at your most relaxing place (not in traffic and stressed out).
Stay Present. Turn your TV off and put your phone away! These distractions are life suckers of being aware of what you are eating, how much and possibly taking away of the experience if you have company eating with you.
Put your eating utensil down while chewing! This will encourage you to eat more slowly and enjoy your meal, so you enjoy what you have in your mouth instead of going right into the next bite!
Chew More!!! Try to chew your food at least 30 times! This helps break down the food into more digestible pieces and the more you chew, the more saliva is created helping the digestion process!
Change things up! It is easy to get into a meal cooking rut. Try new foods, cooking methods and possibly even different cuisines.
Eat More Slowly! Enjoy your meal!
It can be challenging process to transition into mindful eating, so don't get to discouraged if it is difficult to turn the TV at dinner time, or to not eat your breakfast on the go every morning. Start slow and introduce mindful tips one at a time. Slow and steady!!
With love,
Amanda