Mindful Eating Practices

What is mindful eating and how can it help with my weight loss journey? Mindful eating can be defined as the conscious awareness of the consumption of the food in front of you. Mindful eating is an important practice. Whether you are looking to gain or lose weight, mindful eating connects you to your body and allows your body's natural hunger and fullness cues to signal when you are satisfied and have had enough.

So many of us consume our meals in distracted fashions. Sitting down in front of the television to have dinner, or scrolling on our phones mindlessly while we snack. When we eat this way, we aren't connected to the food in front of us. This can lead to overeating, as well as poor digestion. When we don't take the time to chew our food thoroughly it makes it harder for our bodies to digest. Leading to bloating, and discomfort.

Being present for meals can be a lot easier than we think. Start by setting aside time to enjoy your meal. In the hustle and bustle of life, it is common to make excuses. Such as, "I don't have enough time to eat". However, it is important to make time for the things that matter. If becoming healthy is a priority for you, you will make it work or you will find an excuse. When we mindfully fill our plate we are more likely to choose foods that we feel connected to. Ones that will nourish and sustain us for our busy day. To begin the start of your mindful eating journey, remove all distractions and express gratitude for the meal in front of you. Infuse your food with the energy of appreciation for what it will allow you to accomplish in your day.

For example, if you are eating a plate of salmon, sweet potatoes, and broccoli, you can take a moment of silence to thank the salmon for providing healthy omega fats for your brain and body! Enjoy the sweetness of the potatoes for giving nutrients to your bloodstream, and the broccoli for providing the fiber necessary for a healthy digestion. Notice how it is much more difficult to trace how the bowl of Frosted Flakes or plate of nachos is giving your body the necessary vitamins and minerals needed for a long lasting, healthy life. How we choose to fuel our bodies is important and with the practice of mindful eating we become much more intentional with what we consume. Overall, a balanced plate and a balanced mind will lead to a balanced body. When we are in complete harmony, our bodies are healthy and thriving, then the number on the scale will be the number that reflects back to us what perfect health looks like. Remember, It is not your job to control that number, but to first find peace with your eating habits, with your physical body, and with your mind.