Most of us are guilty of it. Eating with our hands, mouths, spoons and forks while occupied, preoccupied and totally distracted by anything else around us. You may be reading on your iPad, talking to your children, opening mail or watching television but what you’re not doing is eating mindfully.
Mindless eating can lead to overeating and generally unhealthy eating habits. Focusing on your food can help you monitor your level of hunger and fullness and research says less multitasking can actually help you get more accomplished.
So, how can you eat more mindfully?
Eat in a low key environment. A peaceful environment can be less distracting and help you focus on your food instead of rushing through the chaos just to fill your belly. For the most part, chiropractors recommend that if you’ve been experiencing back pain, constipation or stomach problems that you monitor your eating habits more closely to determine if your diet or eating habits are causing some of your pain.
Eat while sitting down. If you tend to eat on the run, in the car, standing in front of the refrigerator or while preparing the rest of your meal then take a seat. Eating mindfully requires that you at least sit down with your food so you can focus on what you’re eating and how much you’re eating. Again, this may help you to actually get more accomplished as you cross “mindful eating” off of your list.
Eat your food slowly. Eating and chewing slowly can help give your body and mind time to get the message that “you’re full.” You’ll be less likely to experience indigestion and probably eat less because you took the time to realize you’re full!
Mindful eating is nothing new but sometimes a good reminder can help us take care of ourselves as well as we take care of others.
