MINDFUL EATING: GET OUT OF AUTOPILOT



MINDFUL EATING 

IS

 EATING WITH INTENTION

 AND

 ATTENTION

Eating is a natural, healthy and pleasurable activity when it's done to satisfy hunger.  The bottom line is that a healthy lifestyle is not just about what you eat.  How you eat matters just as much.

Choosing to eat "mindfully" in other words, giving food and eating your full attention, will allow you to have optimal satisfaction and enjoyment without eating to express.



Mindful eating makes it possible for you to experience the difference between physical satisfaction and fullness.  Mindful eating also allows you to feel more satisfied with smaller quantities of food.  Learning to savor your food simply makes eating more pleasurable.  Knowing what satisfies you and getting the most pleasure from your eating experiences, are key factors for a lifetime health.



SIMPLE STEPS FOR MINDFUL EATING:

-  Start by recognizing whether you're hungry before you begin 

   eating;

-  Don't wait until you're famished;

-  Next, decide how full you want be when you're finished eating;

-  Choose food that will satisfy both your body and mind;

-  Set the table in a pleasant manner;

-  Eat without distractions;

-  Eat when you are sitting down;

-  Appreciate the occasion;

-  Take a few breaths and centre yourself before you begin eating;

-  Appreciate the aroma and the appearance of your food;

-  Decide which food looks the most appetizing and start eating 

   that food first;

-  Savour the aromas and tastes of your food as you eat it;

-  If you notice that you are not enjoying what you chose, choose 

   something else if possible;

-  Pause in the middle of eating for at least two full minutes;

-  Push your plate forward or get up from the table as soon as you 

   feel satisfied;

-  Notice how you feel when you are finished eating.



Once you've experienced the increased pleasure from mindful eating, you may be motivated to become more mindful during other activities too.  Living "in the moment" and becoming more aware can increase your enjoyment and effectiveness in everything you do.

drtheresahiggo@gmail.com

078 308 9907