“You are what you eat!” This old saying is a little silly, but there’s also an element of truth in it. The food you put into your body significantly impacts your physical health, and being thoughtful about what you eat is a great way to keep yourself in shape. Learn how to practice mindful eating, and you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of a nutritious diet—and the occasional cookie, too!
How to Practice Mindful Eating
If you live in South Carolina, one thing you know for sure is that Southerners take their cuisine seriously. Who doesn’t love a big plate of crispy fried chicken or a heaping bowl of peach cobbler? Unfortunately, the most delicious Southern foods tend to be high in fat, cholesterol, and other substances that can make frequent indulging a bad idea. Eating too much rich food is terrible for your health, but a diet that’s too strict can feel like setting yourself up for failure. How can you eat your cake and enjoy it, too? Mindful eating might be the solution for you.
What Is Mindful Eating?
It’s probably not surprising to hear that American dietary habits aren’t always the best. Most Americans spend up to two hours a day eating while performing other activities, such as driving or watching TV. This results in a lot of eating without really thinking about what we put into our bodies. High blood pressure, diabetes, and other diet-related health conditions are the natural outcome.
Mindfulness is a way of thinking and experiencing the world that emphasizes being present and not allowing yourself to be distracted from what you’re doing. When you apply the idea of mindfulness to the typical American diet, you get the idea of mindful eating. Mindful eaters believe that if people are more thoughtful about what’s on their plate, they’ll consume a healthier diet.
How Can I Practice Mindful Eating?
The success of mindful eating comes from its simplicity. To be a mindful eater, all you have to do is slow down and make the most out of every meal:
- Plan ahead for success. Write your shopping lists with a meal plan in mind, or if you’re lucky enough to be getting your food made for you, keep an eye on the upcoming menu. Focus on meals with plenty of protein and fruits and vegetables, and keep treats and desserts in a supporting role on your dinner plate.
- Eat intentionally throughout the day. If you skip meals or eat irregularly, you’re more likely to binge on unhealthy food once you get hungry.
- When you sit down to eat, limit distractions. Having a friend over for some dinner conversation can be fun, but avoid mindless entertainment like the TV. You want to be present and enjoy your food.
- Before you eat, pause to feel gratitude for everyone who made your meal possible. Think about people like the chefs, the farm workers, and even the grocery store clerk who rang up your food. Good food is a blessing that not everybody can take for granted, and remembering that can help you be mindful about what’s on your plate.
- While you eat, engage all your senses to enjoy your meal. Is your food crunchy or creamy? Are the colors bright and vibrant? Are the flavors delicious? Take your time, eat slowly, and enjoy your food. When you feel full, stop eating.
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Learning how to practice mindful eating can take some work, but once you master it, it will make meals all the more enjoyable.
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