While you are reading this are you nibbling on an energy/granola bar or sipping a smoothie? Or shoveling the salad or sandwich into your mouth during a lunch break? Even as a health coach, I find myself mindlessly eating food while I multi-task. We live in a multi-tasking world; it's expected and applauded. After having our first child, a new style and meaning to eating took place! Whether it was eating food cold, or inhaling it before our toddler's attention span waned, or even picking throughout the day because I just didn't have the energy or desire to make myself a meal!
Honestly
our life isn't one in which we CAN mindfully eat EVERY meal. That would be
ideal and I applaud you if you can achieve this, however, a majority of us are
trying to keep our head afloat between families, work, to do lists and more! That said, don't give up on
incorporating at least one aspect of mindful eating into your daily life. Be it
giving gratitude before you dive in, to checking in with your body's hunger levels before ordering. Thinking before you eat, before your blood
sugar crashes.
Often
we are eating out of boredom (3pm slump), stress (attacking that pile of
M&Ms or having one drink too many), thirst, energy needs and more. Often
drinking a glass of water, taking a walk or even doing some deep breathing
exercises help with soothing the perceived "hunger pains". Evaluate what your body really needs.
Why do we care about Mindful Eating? Because it can lead to weight management, reduced cravings, portion control, and an overall appreciation of our food - gratitude! It's easier to just eat for pleasure, rather than eat for sustenance. Remember for true wellness and less food obsessions, eat to live, don't live to eat!
Check out these 6 Ways to Practice Mindful Eating!
I
challenge you to incorporate just one today! I will....turning away from the
computer while I enjoy a Dark Chocolate Mocha Almond KIND Bar.
What
about you?
