Mindful eating is the practice of eating with attention and intention. Below are 4 tips to help you to eat mindfully.
Stop Multitasking
If you are reading and eating, try alternating these activities, not doing both at once? Read a page, then put the book down and eat a few bites, savoring the tastes, then read another page, and so on. Source: PsychologyToday
Only Eat at the Table
Another way to minimize mindless munching is to get into the habit of only eating when you are sitting down and able to give the food your full attention. No more snacking on the run. Source: ZenHabits
Slow Down
You can do this by taking a deep breath and noticing the aroma. Look at the food and notice as much as you can. What do you see? Now set a clear intention to savor and enjoy the bite, the flavor, this tiny moment. You can repeat this with each bite, slowing the pace of eating, chewing and assembling the next bite. Eating in this way has become the treatment I need to manage my rushing addiction. Eating slowly, in this focused, intentional way, is also a great way to avoid overeating or mindless munching due to food abundance. Mindful eating is a gift I give to myself. Each bite is a present that I can savor. I can happily coach myself to remember that there is no need to gobble anything: “Relax, you want this moment to last.” And after a few deep breaths, I am again focused on the taste, texture, the bite, and act of eating. Source: TheCenterForMindfulEating
Be Grateful
Honor your food and express your gratitude. Do you feel fortunate to be able to afford the food you eat? Is your food nutritious? Does it look pretty on your plate? Tell it! I admit to complimenting my food. I say, “Wow! You look delicious!” I say, “Thank you so much for being here with me.” I say, “I am so grateful for all of the people who made it possible for my food to be here with me.” Source: Tinybuddha
If you’d like more information on mindful eating, contact us here:
Contact:
Gina Vanderham Psychotherapy Practice
470 Granville St #830
Vancouver, BC V6C 1V4
(604) 733-7428
