Mindful Eating is something that seems to be lost in today’s society. It is difficult to stay conscious and aware of what you are eating in such a fast paced world, where it is expected that you multi-task and are on the go constantly. Many people would have a hard time telling you if they were hungry and if so, what in fact they felt like eating. Never mind what it feels like to be full and satisfied. Where have we gone wrong?
To be able to eat mindfully, it is important that we tell you what this is:
• Being Mindful is being conscious of your body cues of when to eat and when to stop eating.
• It is being purposeful in your food choices, by balancing your daily intake, but also being able to incorporate those fun, favorite foods.
• It is trusting that your body will use food in the appropriate way and focusing on your energy level, mood and fullness, NOT on food rules (should/shouldn’t), feeling guilty and beating yourself up.
• It is accepting that mindful eating means sometimes you will overeat when food just tastes so good to you, or knowing that you might eat a larger meal later in the day if you did not eat enough for lunch.
• Mindful eating does not focus all your time on food, meals, how much or what you should eat. It is just one part of your day.
• Being Mindful means you can be flexible with your eating and adjust your day to accommodate these changes.
• Mindful Eating could be 3 meals per day, or 3 meals and a couple of snacks too.
• It is not second guessing your food choices for the day.
• It is eating the same by yourself as you would with your family or friends.
Most importantly, Mindful Eating is NOT feeling like you have to eat a PERFECT diet (which no one can attain), but rather to strive to have a well balanced, flavorful, desired array of foods that meets your nutritional needs and supports health and wellness.