Eat When You're Hungry, Stop When You're Full
Eating when you're hungry and stopping when you're full is one of the core principles of mindful eating. It sounds simple, but in today's world of supersized portions and constant snacking, it can be harder than you think.
Tune into your body's signals. Learn the difference between physical hunger, emotional hunger, and cravings. Only eat when you feel the signs of real hunger like a growling stomach, lightheadedness, or irritability.
Serve yourself smaller portions. It's easy to overeat when you have a heaping plate of food in front of you. Start with less and go back for seconds only if you're still hungry.
Eat slowly. It takes time for your stomach to signal to your brain that you're full. Put your fork down between bites, chew thoroughly, and enjoy the experience of eating.
Stop when you're satisfied, not stuffed. Learn to recognize the signs that you've had enough, like pushing your plate away or feeling content. It's ok to leave food on your plate.
Keep a food journal. Recording what, how much, and why you eat can help increase your awareness of eating habits and patterns. Note your hunger and fullness levels before and after meals. Look for progress over time.
Make mindful eating a habit and practice self-compassion. Slipping up is part of being human. Each meal is an opportunity to nourish yourself in body and mind. Savor the experience of eating and make peace with food. Your relationship with food is a lifelong journey.
Avoid Distractions and Focus on Your Food
Avoiding distractions is key to mindful eating. When you sit down for a meal, focus on your food - not your phone, TV, laptop or anything else. Turn off all electronics and try to minimize interruptions.
Find a place free of diversions. Turn off the TV, put your phone on do not disturb and find a place away from loud noises. A quiet, distraction-free environment will allow you to focus on your meal.
Appreciate your food's aroma. Take a few seconds to breathe in the smell of your food before diving in. The aroma can enhance your eating experience and make the food more satisfying.
Observe your food. Notice the colors, textures, shapes and sizes. See how the different ingredients come together. Take a moment to appreciate how the food looks before taking your first bite.
Take small bites and chew thoroughly. Take bites small enough to notice the tastes and textures. Chew each bite 15-20 times to release the flavors. This also aids digestion by coating the food with saliva.
Pay attention to flavors and textures. Notice how the flavors change as you chew. Identify each ingredient and appreciate how their flavors blend together. Focus on the texture of the food and how it feels in your mouth.
Put down your utensils between bites. Place your fork or spoon down after each bite. This prevents you from rushing into the next bite and gives you a chance to relish what's in your mouth.
Savor each bite. Make a conscious effort to fully experience the taste of each bite. Notice the flavors that stand out and the ones that emerge as you chew. Appreciate how the flavors linger for a few moments after swallowing.
Avoiding distractions and being fully present with your meal allows you to gain a deeper appreciation for your food. Focusing on each bite helps you eat at a slower pace so you can savor each flavor and feel satisfied with less food. Making mindful eating a habit can help transform your relationship with food in a positive way.
FAQ: Mindful Eating Questions Answered
You probably have a lot of questions about mindful eating and how to get started. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions to help you on your journey.
How long does it take to become a mindful eater?
Becoming a mindful eater is a practice that takes time. Don't expect to transform your eating habits overnight. Start by making small changes, like turning off electronics during one meal each day or taking three deep breaths before you begin eating. As you practice being more present with your food, mindful eating will become second nature. But it's a skill that requires ongoing nurturing and patience.
Do I have to eat slowly to be a mindful eater?
Eating slowly is a key part of mindful eating, but it's not the only part. Mindful eating involves using all of your senses to appreciate your food. Notice the colors, smells, flavors, textures, and even the sounds as you chew your food. Put down your utensils between bites and avoid distractions. Savor each bite completely before taking another. Slowing down gives you time to recognize how the food makes you feel and when you start to feel satisfied. But the ultimate goal is simply being fully present with your meal.
How can I encourage my family to eat mindfully?
Lead by example. Practice mindful eating yourself and talk about the benefits you've noticed. Keep a positive tone and avoid lecturing. You might say something like, "I've found that turning off the TV during dinner helps me focus on and enjoy the food more." Make mealtimes device-free and suggest that everyone takes a few breaths before eating. Most of all, keep the atmosphere light and fun. Your mindful eating habit is more likely to spread when the experience is positive and rewarding.
With regular practice of paying attention to your food in an intentional and non-judgmental way, mindful eating can become second nature. But go slowly, be patient with yourself, and remember that every mindful bite makes a difference. Keep asking questions and try different techniques to find what works for you. Your relationship with food is a journey, so appreciate each step along the path.