Become a Mindful Eater!

Each day, life races by us like a horse sprinting for the finish line, and as we get older the days just seem to go faster and faster- it’s sad but it’s true.  How does this relate to food and nutrition you ask?  Much of what we do in our busy life is automatic, checking emails, driving to work or school, watching TV and even eating food.  None of this takes a whole lot of effort or thought which allows us to be on auto-pilot or in an almost “zombie-like” state as time slips away.  This “mindless-ness” is a huge problem though, it means that we often forget to appreciate the little things (and sometimes the big things) that we have the luxury of being around each day.

Contrary to “mindless eating” comes the idea of being a “mindful eater”, basically allowing ourselves to embrace the idea that we can and should make a conscious effort when we are doing something.  It is always good to be mindful of others (i.e. using a turn-signal when we are driving in traffic or muting our cell phone at the movies) but it is especially important to the health of our body that we be mindful when it comes to the foods we choose to put in our mouths.

 Food is the fuel that runs our body; it keeps our engine (our metabolism) burning and lets us do all the activities that we take for granted without missing a beat– literally!  Along with water and fresh air, food is the most important thing we put into our body so why do we make poor “fuel” choices when it comes to filling up our gas tanks?

Here are some helpful tips that can make it easier for you to be more mindful every day!

·         Take control:  In a chaotic world like ours, food is one thing that we almost always have control over.  What we do and don’t eat is up to us, so exercise your right to choose by making healthy choices that benefit your body and mind.

·         Question everything:  Before putting food into your mouth, ask yourself, “Why am I eating?”  Are you actually hungry or just bored/tired/stressed?  If you answered anything but hungry, drink a big glass of water, wait 15 minutes and if you still must eat, try to having a piece of fruit, a few carrot sticks or a handful of nuts.

·         Take inventory:  Think about the food and beverage choices you’ve made earlier in the day and let that help guide you toward your future meal or snack choices.  

·         Rate yourself:  Before a meal or snack, ask yourself, “On a scale of 1-10, how hungry am I?” with 1 being absolutely starving and 10 being after-thanksgiving meal stuffed.  Halfway through your meal, reassess your hunger and try to stop when you feel like a 5 or 6- this way you will be full but not over-stuffed

·         Give yourself a break:  If you made less-than-ideal food or beverage choices in the past, know that it is okay - you always have the next time to make a healthier choice- don’t feel guilty and most important don’t give-up. 

Healthy eating habits take time, make small & sustainable changes- life is a journey, not a race.

              So next time you are getting ready to have a meal or snack remember to “think- before you eat”!