How often do you really taste your food? When it’s time for dinner, do you slow down, sit down and enjoy each bite or do you shovel it in so you can get onto the next thing in your packed day?
I’m personally guilty of being on my phone or absorbed into a book when I eat. I don’t always pay enough attention to the nutrition I’m giving my body. Which is odd, because I love to cook and take time making my food.
Practicing mindful eating can help you become more aware of yourself, be more in your body and even give you useful information about what you should (or shouldn’t) be eating.
Mindful eating exercise
You can practice mindful eating as a distinct exercise, as I explain in this video. The bonus of this is you get to treat yourself to something really tasty – like dark chocolate or fresh strawberries!
You can also practice mindful eating as a regular part of your day. While I’m sometimes in a rush to eat my meals, one thing I savor every morning is my first sip of tea.
Morning mindfulness
I’m an extremely fortunate person as my spouse, who wakes up earlier than I do, makes me a pot of tea in the morning. Not only that, but he brings me a hot mug of tea at my usual wake-up time. (Yes, I regularly thank the universe for this miracle. He also rubs my feet at night while we watch TV. I am truly blessed.)
That first sip of tea is exquisite. It wakes me up out of sleepiness, energizes my taste buds and helps me become ready for the day ahead (plus I start my day with gratitude for having someone who makes and brings me tea).
What do you first drink each morning? Even if it’s water, that first gulp quenches your thirst and revives your mouth. Notice it.
Eating meals mindfully
Ideally, we’d all eat every meal slowly. We’d pay attention to each bite, chew however many times nutritionists tell us to (is it 30 times for each bite? 50?). We’d sit down for every meal, with our family members, and talk about the day ahead and the day past.
But even when you sit down with your family to eat (which I do for at least one meal a day, if not more), the kids get loud, there are two conversations going at once, the cat is meowing to join in the din, and it’s not exactly a mindful experience.
Even in all that, though, or in a rushed meal before you head out the door, you can slow down for a few moments.
Mindfully eating every bite might be too tall an order. But can you do it for one bite? Can you take a moment to look at your food and, even if you don’t say grace before you begin eating, notice the food and be grateful for it?
Even a few moments spent mindfully will help you slow down your internal whirring and whizzing and give you calm, peace and rest.
The benefits of mindful eating
Taking a little time to connect with what you’re putting in your body and the experience of consuming it has some interesting benefits.
When you indicate a willingness to listen to your body, your body will start communicating with you.
You’ll begin to notice, perhaps, that the food you’re eating doesn’t actually agree with you. And, rather than falling into habit or having to use willpower to resist certain foods, you’ll discover a natural disinclination for them.
Instead, you’ll become more drawn to foods that your body wants and needs. Over time, this relationship with your physical body will get stronger and the communication easier.
And all from beginning to eat mindfully.