As the New Year rolls in, it often brings a renewed focus on our health and wellness. Many of us set new goals around food—whether it's incorporating more nutritious options or trying new eating habits. However, we often overlook an important aspect of eating: how we eat. Mindful eating is all about tuning into the process of eating, being present, and listening to your body. It’s not just about the food on your plate, but how you engage with it. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of mindful eating and share practical tips on how you can bring this practice into your daily routine for improved well-being.
Mindful Eating
The New Year is often a time that gives us pause when it comes to food and nutrition. You might be setting yourself some goals about foods you want to include more of or perhaps thinking about some ways of eating you want to try.
Whilst we often think about the ‘what’ when it comes to food, we don’t as often think about the ‘how’ – how we consume food, and the way this can positively impact our wellbeing.
That’s where mindful eating comes into play. Mindful eating is about bringing attention to ‘how’ we eat food. Think listening to your body, being fully present when you are eating and being able to better appreciate the food that you are fueling and nourishing your body with.
Whilst there isn’t yet any good evidence to suggest that mindful eating can impact or improve food choices, we do know that it can help us improve our relationship with food and embrace and experience joy.
Here’s our top tips for different ways to incorporate mindful eating into your daily routine
Screen free mealtimes
Ditch the screens!
Whether it’s mindlessly scrolling on your phone or having a series going in the background, screen and technology reduce our ability to tune in to our meal and feel satisfied.
Slow down (and sit down!)
Too often we eat on the go and pay little (or sometimes none!) attention to the food we are eating.
Dust off the dining table and take some time to sit down and enjoy the meal. Chew your food slowly and take breaks in between each mouthful. A good way to do this is to put down your knife and fork between each bite.
Eating around the table can also be a great way to boost those serotonin levels by connecting in with friends and family.
Tune in
When it’s time to eat, start to tune into how food makes your body and mind feeling.
Are you eating when you are hungry, or when you are bored? Tired?
Are you eating until you feel full, or until your plate is empty?
When you have finished your meal, how does that type of food make you feel? Energised? Sluggish?
Engage the senses
Make meals times and consuming food more than just about what it tastes like. Take a moment to notice other things about the food you are eating – what does it smell like? What does it feel like in your hands or mouth?
Mindful eating is a simple yet powerful way to transform your relationship with food and enhance your overall well-being. By being present during mealtimes and listening to your body, you can cultivate more joy and satisfaction in every meal. Start small with a few mindful eating practices, and over time, you may find that it becomes an effortless part of your routine. For more tips on nourishing your body and mind, check out our other blogs on topics like gut health, top foods for glowing skin, and delicious recipes that promote overall wellness.
