How Are You Really Eating?
By Sara Butler
Have you ever been sitting at your desk eating lunch or tuning out in front of the television at dinner only to look down and realize you've finished your meal -- but you don't remember doing it? Mindless and distracted eating is common. What is uncommon is concentrating on what you're eating and being present at a meal. Why does it matter? Being mindful as you eat can help it to be a more enjoyable experience and can also help you to stay healthy. The truth is, you should be mindfully eating at every meal. To help you get started, here are a few tips.
Don't Get Distracted
Distractions are the number one culprit behind mindless eating. So, when you're sitting down to dinner or having lunch, put away the technology. Mute your phone, turn off the television, silence that podcast. Doing so will help you to focus more on the experience of eating and also help you feel more connected to the people you're sharing your meal with, even if it's your cat.
Plan Ahead
The environment you eat in makes a difference so consider setting out a real spread for yourself. Put out napkins, set your table, and use a real plate for your food. You might even want to light a candle as you sit at the table and enjoy dinner.
Look at Your Food
When was the last time you sat down and really looked at the food on your plate? Try noticing the color, portion, texture, and shape of your food the next time you eat. Do you think it's a lot of food? Just a little? Perhaps the right amount? Also, aim for different colors on your plate. If all your food is beige, then it's time to make a few improvements and add some color.
Savor It
Part of mindful eating is really sitting down and tasting your food, savoring the flavors as you chew slowly. This can help you to notice things you may not have in the past such as the different herbs and spices. Plus, you can play a little game where you try to identify new flavors. It can be fun!
Take Your Time
Taking your time is essential to mindful eating. Slowly chew and savor and stop eating when you feel full. This will help you eat your food in a way that's a little healthier. And that's the whole point of mindful eating!
Eating mindfully can help you to improve your overall health, so give it a try!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Queen Creek, Ariz.