Why practice Mindful Eating?

Okay yes I did say what is OFF the plate is as important (if not more) than what is ON, however I know many of you are hoping for tips on how to eat better or just maybe one little secret to better health and wellbeing. I am here to say that “mindful” eating is truly something that can be done by everyone no matter what you eat or believe in and can have real impact.  

So what exactly is it?  

By definition Mindful Eating is “the practice of paying full, non-judgmental attention to your food, physical hunger cues, and the sensory experience of eating” (source: NIH). To simplify it, you do not need to commune with your food, but you do need to be aware of what you are eating and truly enjoy it!  It turns out our belly needs to know we are eating vs. passively putting things in our mouth while working at the computer or watching something on Netflix (and I say this with love as someone who has done exactly that!) We often feel like we don’t have time to step away from work or child rearing or whatever project you are doing and feel it would be better time spent multi-tasking.  Cue annoying buzzer here!  In fact taking just 10-20 minutes to sit with a meal and your thoughts or even just dazing out in front of you can make a world of difference. Your belly gets the signal that you are eating and then helps you to realize when you are actually full. 

I also find having a nice table setting can have a transformative effect on mood. Even just a favorite plate or napkin, a small vase of flowers or whatever you have on hand creates a little no brainer self care that can translate into better focus when you head back to the task waiting for you. Even shells or whatever found objects you have lying around (shown above) can be a nice way to start or end your day (beautiful mug made by a friend added bonus). Now I get that it is not always possible to do this but it’s about making a conscious effort, so for example if you are in a cubicle and can’t escape (!) turn away from your computer, put your office plant in front of you, breathe in and take a moment for yourself while you eat.

Or if you have kids…start them early understanding the importance of gathering and appreciating their food and you! Too many times my kids ate while watching something but we also would prioritize time together on weekends. It does not take much to do.

A little bit of mindful can go a long way! lt doesn’t have to be fussy or fancy. I swear it makes a difference.

Bonus points for sending a little gratitude to the farmers or makers of you food (in this case um it might not be a specific farmer : ) 

Try it (with kids or without)! What’s the worst that can happen?  Just 20 minutes!  Enjoy (you deserve it, duh!)