Mindfulness means focusing on what's in front of you or focusing on the present moment. It's about slowing down your chattery mind and not getting ahead of yourself before finishing something you've already started. With mindfulness we are concentrating on how things look, feel, and smell in the here-and-now moment. Now when we incorporate Mindfulness into our eating we are mindful eating which is a way to enjoy your food and eat with intention there are health benefits that come with this see the benefits section below.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that the average American spends 2.5 hours a day eating and more than half the time, they are doing something else while eating like driving or watching TV.
Mindful eating as a Spiritual Practice.
Mindful eating brings a connection to the feeling of Gratitude, gratitude for life, and Gratitude for the earth and its abundance of diverse foods.
Before you eat, take a moment to appreciate your food. Think about everything that made it possible for you to be eating your meal here now. Thanking the farmers who grew the vegetables or the persons who arranged your groceries at the store. Tap into your senses, and try to notice the flavors, smell, textures, and other details picked up by your senses while your eating your food. Eat slowly and chew thoroughly, it is so easy for us to just eat our food so fast without even thinking especially when you are hungry or short time. I invite you to try to eat slowly, putting your utensil down between each bite and chewing each mouthful 30 times.
It will take some time to get used to.
In my personal experience, I've noticed that when I eat mindfully i tend to get full sometimes before i even finish my meal, i also notice i feel more satiated and satisfied without wanting to eat more. i also take the moment to say an intention or a prayer of gratitude. .
Benefits:
Mindful eating may help with reducing your habit of overeating.
It can support your goal of weight loss.
Improves your relationship with food.
Helps to recognize whether you're eating because you are really hungry or because there is an underlying emotional reaction.
Your attitude will change after you are done eating.
You start to feel more drawn towards healthy foods/ natural whole foods.
Mindful eating can reduce stress and anxiety and even help bring healthier food choices over time.
Here is a video i recommend:
Karen Mayo, the author of Amazon best seller, "Mindful Eating" has guided numerous people to losing inches, pounds and medications through better eating habits. She is board certified Integrative Nutrition health and lifestyle coach, licensed personal trainer, and a member of American Association of Drugless Practitioners. As a natural whole foods chef Karen fulfills her passion of partnering with people who are committed to improving their health and lifestyle of their families.
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