March is National Nutrition Month, and we are all analyzing our eating habits and looking for ways to eat healthier. Mindful eating allows you to maintain control over your eating habits, and at first, it may sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. This article will explain what mindful eating is and how you can start mindful eating within your daily routine.
What is mindful eating anyway?
First, let’s break down the basics of mindful eating. Based on the Buddhist concept that mindful eating is based on “mindfulness.” Mindfulness is a form of meditation that can help you cope with your emotional and physical body. This practice has been used to treat many different conditions, including eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and other food-related behaviors.
To be a mindful eater is a lot more than just a diet, it’s a way to use food and be aware of what your body is consuming.
To be mindful means to focus on the present moment and acknowledge your feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. The points of mindfulness to apply to eating as the concept goes beyond the individual. It is also essential to understand what you are eating and how it affects your greater surroundings.
Food choices around mindful-eating are centered around fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and vegetable oils. By paying attention to the food you eat, you should be eating less often and be mindful and attentive to what you are eating. That is, being fully attentive to the food you are eating, preparing, and buying.
Begin at the grocery store, and have a list.
The first step is to evaluate what you are consuming, and that starts at the grocery store. It’s important to have a setlist prepared so you do not impulse buying anything you don’t need or do not comply with your mindful eating strategy.
The produce section is going to be where you spend the most time when shopping mindfully. The center aisles are mostly processed foods, so stay clear of those. That is chips, candy, and those things we are trying to avoid.
The smaller the bites, the better.
It’s easier to taste the food you’re consuming into your body by taking smaller bites. Put down your utensil between the bites you take, trust and believe, it may seem small, but it does work. Taking smaller portions will help you better understand how to be more mindful of your body’s consumption and give you proper digestive goals.
Chewing is essential.
By chewing your food thoroughly, we can taste the essence of the food, and you begin to understand the flavors and spices. You may have to chew a lot, 20 to 40 times, depending on what you are eating.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Much like the advice listed above, eating slowly will help you better understand your food and be mindful of what you’re eating. Dedicate at least five minutes to mindful eating before speaking to others at the table or checking your social media statuses and texts.
Bring all your senses to the table.
By bringing all your senses to your meal, you can be better attentive to your food and mindful eating habits. Whether you’re cooking the food, eating, or serving the food, concentrate on the details. Notice the colors, the textures, the smells, and all the details of your meal. This way, it can help you better identify your ingredients and tastes in your dishes.