I Tried Mindful Eating For 2 Months And It Felt Like This.

Flashback 3 months, I was working on a project for hours and I thought I have a right to binge eat when I work on a project as important as this.

I noticed I started getting lethargic and came across mindful eating on the internet. I thought of giving it a try and after 2 months I am not going back.

What is mindful eating

Mindful eating is a practice where you use your senses consciously to experience the food.

Principles of Mindful Eating

Mindful eating involves being fully present during meals. It means putting away distractions like smartphones, computers, and televisions, and focusing solely on the act of eating.

1. Engaging the Senses – Use your senses to appreciate the textures, colors, aromas, and flavors of your food. This heightened awareness can enhance your eating experience and help you better recognize hunger and fullness cues.
2. Non-Judgmental Awareness – Approach your meals without judgment.
3. Eating for Nourishment – Choose foods that nourish your body and provide sustenance.
4. Honoring Hunger and Fullness – Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re satisfied, not overly full.
5. Recognizing Emotional Triggers – Be mindful of emotional eating triggers. Learn to differentiate between hunger and cravings.
   

Benefits of Mindful Eating

• Weight Management – Paying attention to hunger and fullness cues can help prevent overeating and promote healthy weight management.

• Reduced Stress – Mindful eating can lower stress levels by allowing you to focus on the present moment and reduce stress-induced eating.

• Enhanced Enjoyment – Engaging your senses and savoring each bite can lead to greater enjoyment of your meals.

• Better Food Choices – Mindful eating helps you make conscious food choices based on your body’s needs and preferences.

• Improved Digestion – Yes. Literally!

Steps I took for mindful eating

1. Create a Peaceful Eating Environment – Choose a specific spot for meals that is comfortable and free from distractions. Set the scene by arranging the table with care, using appealing dishes and utensils. Avoid clutter and unnecessary distractions like TV or work.
2. Engage Your Senses – Take a moment to look at your plate before you start eating. Bring the food closer to your nose and inhale deeply to appreciate the aromas. This can enhance your anticipation and enjoyment of the meal.
3. Chew Thoroughly – Chew the food slow and steady to enjoy every bite. Remember this is a habitual choice and could take time in developing the habit. Take small bites and chew slowly. Savor the texture of your food. Pay attention to how the texture of the food changes as you chew. Notice the transformation from solid to softer consistency.
4. Eat Slowly – Put Down Utensils: Place your utensils down between bites. This simple action encourages you to focus on chewing and swallowing before reaching for the next bite.
   Take a few mindful breaths between bites. This can help you stay present and regulate your pace.
5. Practice Gratitude – Express Thanks: Take a moment before you start eating to express gratitude for the meal. Consider the effort that went into its preparation and the nourishment it provides.
6. Listen to Your Body – Pause halfway through your meal to assess your hunger level.
   Fullness Signals: Pay attention to cues of fullness, such as a slight reduction in hunger or a feeling of contentment. Stop eating when you’re comfortably full.
7. Mindful Snacking – Choose Wisely: When snacking, select whole, nutrient-dense options like fruits, nuts, or yogurt. Avoid mindless munching on processed or sugary snacks.
   Place a small portion of the snack in a bowl or on a plate. This prevents overeating and helps you stay mindful of quantity.
8. Mindful Food Choices – When deciding what to eat, take a moment to consider what your body truly craves and needs. Choose foods that provide nourishment and satisfaction. Trust your intuition to guide you toward what your body requires.
9. Practice Mindful Cooking – While preparing meals, focus on the textures, colors, and aromas of the ingredients. Cooking can be a meditative experience.
10. Minimize Distractions – Turn off your phone and avoid watching TV or working while eating. Engage in the act of eating fully without external distractions.
11. Embrace Imperfection – Release the need for perfection. If you find yourself eating mindlessly on occasion, acknowledge it without criticism and refocus on mindful eating next time.
12. Reflect on Your Experience – Take a moment after your meal to reflect on the experience. How did mindful eating make you feel?
13. Practice Regularly – Mindful eating is a skill that improves with practice. Make an effort to practice mindful eating during at least one meal or snack each day.