A definition of mindful eating which I like to use is, “eating with awareness of your body’s needs and preferences, as well as your emotional states and desires.” In an upcoming blog, we will explore what this definition might mean for your weight and food struggles, but, for now, let’s focus on the word “awareness.”
If you were to look up the definition of awareness, you’d find entries such as “knowledge or perception of a particular situation or fact,” and synonyms such as “recognition, consciousness and acknowledgement.” For me, when we are aware, we are paying attention, we are focused, and we are present. Imagine for a moment what it would be like to be attentive, focused and present when you eat. Imagine tasting your food as you chew it, feeling it as it slides down your throat and settles in your stomach. Have you ever been that present? Can you imagine that the food would taste better, be more satisfying and filling? These sensations are what you have to look forward to as you practice mindful eating.
To become more aware as you eat, try eating without distractions. Put down the phone, turn off the iPad, close down the laptop, and stop watching TV. Eating without distraction lets us be more present with our food.
Give it a shot. What have you got to lose?
