Mindful Eating

Most of us just eat without thinking about what we are eating, the flavours we are tasting or why we are eating.

We do a lot of eating just because… because it is there, because we are stressed, because it gives us comfort, not necessarily because we are actually hungry.

Changing your eating habits and what you eat takes time and effort.

The reward for positive eating is improved sleep, better stable mood, clearer skin and sometimes weight loss.

Some of the best ways to practice mindful eating include, slower eating, chewing better, focus on the food that you are eating and taste the flavours.

As always you need to make good choices for the right foods and ensure you know what your triggers are. Once you know your triggers, you can work on changing the habits.

So for me I do eat when stressed, hungover or drunk! I have however learnt to cut down. Also I have better foods to eat, in the cupboard, so I have less chance of over eating the wrong foods.

I have learned over time to slow down and think about what I am eating and take breaks, during my meals. This helps you to recognise when you are actually full.

It is good to not have distractions when eating, so that you can concentrate on the food, stop, interact in conversation during your meal and allow your digestion to work. This will allow your brain to engage that you are actually full.

So start working out your triggers, think about what you crave in that moment and make an action plan on what you are going to change. This can be reducing the amount you eat, to what you are actually eating. Over time practice will reward you in the end, with better habits and choices!