.Some of the smartest people I know find themselves over eating and even binge eating. They are successful in all areas of their life whether it is business or academics, relationships and hobbies. Mindful eaters know all about living a healthy lifestyle. They probably even used the services of a nutritionist and personal trainer many times. Intellectually, they know they would benefit from eating healthier, yet they find they are unable to improve their diets. My clients have asked one particular question over and over: “How can I know how to eat well and not be able to do it?” They wonder why their decisions don’t match the way they desire to eat. The answer to this question is complex. But many times it is related to our emotional state. This is where mindful eating comes in.
What is mindful eating?
Mindful eating is paying attention to the food you eat and being present in the moment.
Why is this important?
When we are not being mindful– we are much more likely to overeat. We eat quickly, we eat out of boredom or stress or anger, without actually tasting the food.
So how do you eat more mindfully in the real world? It’s about savouring the taste, texture, temperature, and smell of your food. And it’s about being aware of how hungry you are before, during, and after your meal. It is also about being aware of your emotions at the tine of eating and really being present whilst eating.
Sounds simple!
But as you probably already know, it’s not that easy.
Eating more mindfully has become something most people struggle with – they are either scrolling on their phone, watching a movie, or eating at their desk whilst working or at the kitchen sink whilst doing a million other things.
Mindful eating means you’re:
- Only eating when you are physically hungry.
- Eating until you feel satisfied, and manage to stop when you are full and leave food in the plate.
- Focussing on eating foods that make you feel nourished and energetic and healthy.
- Tasting, smelling and noticing the temperature and texture of your food.
- Eating while sitting down at a table.
- Removing all distractions such as phones and TVs (except enjoying the company of family and friends if they’re around).
I believe eating mindfully may be a seriously important step to tackling our problems with food.
Because when you eat mindfully, you have time to notice your hunger and the emotions you have around food.
You can finally experience the food in front of you. And you’re likely to feel more connected to and more comfortable in your body – because you’re actually listening to what it needs, it for a change.
If you find yourself eating emotionally or eating when you are not hungry then it is likely that you are
Join my Mindful eating masterclass on the 26th March 2021 to learn more about mindful eating.