Mindful eating is a practice that can provide both physical and mental health benefits. First, it is a form of mindfulness that can increase awareness and concentration. It is also beneficial to those who need to stay conscious of the portions they eat due to weight loss goals.
If you want to be a more mindful eater, here are some strategies you can try to get started.
Listen To Your Body
The ability to listen to your body is of high significance especially when it comes to eating and exercise. Try to determine whether you want to eat because you’re hungry or because you’re responding to non-hunger cues.
If you’re thirsty, drink some water. Go for a walk or visit a friend if you’re bored. If you’re anxious or stressed, try some meditation or deep breathing. Remember to see food as fuel for your body rather than the cure to your emotional problems.
Remove Distractions
Cut off all distractions when eating. Turn off the TV. Put your phone down. Try paying attention to your meal and catch yourself anytime your mind drifts away to something else. This may be difficult at first but it is important to remember that mindful eating is a practice that gets better with time.
Eat More Slowly
The feeling of fullness you feel after eating is a result of a multitude of signals sent to your brain by your body after you start eating. If you eat too quickly, you may overeat before your brain recognizes that you’re full. Spend some time sitting down and eating slowly so that you can recognise when you’re full.
Serve Out Your Portions
Avoid eating directly from the bag or box. This prevents you from overeating because it allows you to see how much you’ve eaten and enables you to appreciate the food better. It’s also a great way to prevent waste and allows you to eat only what your body requires at that moment.
Stick To Healthy Foods
Although mindful eating doesn’t imply that you should stick to certain foods, it would benefit you to go for healthy foods you enjoy the most – though indulgences are welcome. Whether you choose to cook your own food or visit restaurants that provide foods rich in nutrients.
Featured Image Source: Good HousekeepingGot a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com
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