Day 13

MINDFUL EATING

Loved yesterday’s post on Mindful Eating- hope you have had a chance to watch Heather’s great video and post. Here again are some simple tips and reminders as it is so important to our overall health and our relationship with food.

In essence, mindful eating means being fully attentive to your food — as you buy, prepare, serve, and consume it. However, adopting the practice may take more than a few adjustments in the way you approach meals and snacks.

What is an example of Mindful Eating?

Mindful eating: Focusing all your attention on your food and the experience of eating

Looking at your food - paying attention to the temperature, the texture, the smell, the flavours (sour, sweet, savoury, etc).
Pay attention to NOT eating to fill an emotional void (because you're stressed, lonely, sad, or bored, for example).
DO NOT eat on autopilot or while multitasking (driving, working, reading, watching TV, etc.).
TRY to eat while sitting down....if you eat while standing - the blood is actually in your legs and doesn't aid in your digestion.

FUN FACT:

Did you know that the blood around your stomach is so important to aid in your digestion?

How to practice Mindful Eating:

1. Eat more slowly and don't rush your meals.

2. Chew thoroughly (what is most effective - to get your saliva enzymes working properly it is recommended that you chew each food 30 times - WOW!)

3. Eliminate distractions by turning off the TV and putting down your phone.

4. Eat in silence - music can be distracting - conversations are good with other people and actually slow down the eating process. Try to eat in silence when you are alone.

5. Focus on how the food makes you feel.

6. Stop eating when you're full.

What are 4 Mindful Eating Habits?

1. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.

2. Eat when you feel hungry, and stop when full.

3. Limit the distractions around you.

4. Think about the smells, textures, and ingredients of your food as you're eating.

Let's create a great relationship with our food!