7 Tips on How You can Open Your Heart to Mindful Eating

Starting from breakfast to dinner, we can say that eating is an important part of our daily life. However, what type of food you are eating is the most important factor in defining your health. In this busy schedule, there is no fixed time for eating, whenever you get the time you eat. In-car, sitting in front of a computer or when you are sitting around a conference table. 

When you are following mindless eating, overeating can result in negative health results like digestive disorders and obesity.

Following mindful eating doesn’t mean following a strict diet plan. It’s a way of eating and enjoying your food for good health and a feeling of pleasure. Mindful eating can be defined as bringing awareness and appreciation to the experience of eating. 

Let’s peep on the guidelines on how to begin your mindful eating.

1. Sit down and set everything aside

Don’t feel that eating is a to-do list. Are you busy throughout your day, eating whenever you get a chance? You should set everything aside and take time for yourself to enjoy your food. Just make a target to focus on your meal. Make this a habit.

Encourage yourself to focus on your food and how do you consume it. Mindful eating will make you take a break, you truly will feel more relaxed.

2. Make a habit of eating slowly

Usually, your body and your brain need some time to accept that you are eating which can help you to communicate with your body when you are full. At least the signal of communicating that you are eating needs 20 minutes. So, finish whatever you have in the mouth before you take the next bite. So eating slowly eating is a healthy habit. It makes you feel satisfied.

3. Whatever food it is, just chew well

If you are not chewing your food well then it results in undigested food particles floating through the colon and these particles will turn into bloating, gas, and indigestion. So chew your food thoroughly until it has a fine, pulplike texture. It can give you good digestion which is essential for overall health.

4. Sip your fluids, don’t gulp it

Whatever fluid you are taking just try to take it before 15 minutes of your meal or at least take it 15 to 30 minutes after a meal. But if you prefer to drink with a meal take small sips between your meals. This habit can avoid or reduce gas and bloating. You will feel lighter after meals.

5. Embrace your senses with mindful eating

If you are following mindful eating then you will gradually feel the magic, a stimulating experience.  You will observe many things in your food as colors, textures, aromas, sounds. Remember that eating isn’t just about having a good taste. It is all about tapping into all of your senses while eating.

6. Make a habit to eat only when you are hungry

Don’t make a habit of eating mindless or emotional snacking every day. When you are snacking in between meals regularly, you will never feel satisfied. Eating when you’re not hungry can result in feeling guilty later about overeating. 

Don’t eat just because there is a variety of food around. When you grab a snack, ask yourself why you want it before you consume it. Eating only when you’re hungry may help you avoid excessive weight gain.

7. Sometimes try to adopt an attitude of gratitude

Always acknowledge yourself on the time and effort you put into creating your meal. Take a moment to appreciate yourself on getting the preparation and intention involved in getting the food onto your plate and also thank the person who prepared the food. It will give you a feeling of satisfaction all around.

Mindful eating is a natural and pleasurable experience that supports you with good health. Your whole body will benefit from slowing down and being present while eating. Mindful eating is not just what you eat, but how you eat that matters.