What is MINDFUL Eating?

When you eat, are you focusing on the food or are you watching television, checking your phone or reading the paper?

Did you know that it can take up to 20 minutes for your body to recognize that it is full. When you are distracted by other things, it is very easy to overeat. If you eat particularly quickly then you have probably already over eaten before your body sends the signal that it’s full.

Mindful eating has been shown to support weight loss and help change eating behaviours. The British Dietetic Association define mindful eating as an approach to food that focuses on being fully present while you’re eating. It also increases awareness of your thoughts, senses and feelings during and after you eat.

Mindful eating can be an opportunity to make a better connection with your food, to really appreciate what you are consuming and generally have a better relationship with food. So next time you sit down to eat, eat mindfully. Get rid of those distractions, slow down when you’re eating, enjoy the flavours, aromas, textures and taste of your food. Listen to your body, and if you feel full, stop eating!

Also try and understand why you are eating. Are you really hungry and in need of nutritious food, or are you bored and in need of a distraction?

Next time you eat, do it mindfully. Appreciate and enjoy what you are eating but listen to your body’s response to that food. Have a positive relationship with food.