
Are you tired of trying every fad diet out there, only to end up disappointed and discouraged? Well, there may be a better solution that doesn’t require depriving yourself of your favorite foods. It’s called mindful eating, and it’s a practice that can help you lose weight without feeling restricted or overwhelmed.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, mindful eating is the practice of being fully present and aware of the experience of eating. By slowing down and paying attention to the taste, smell, and texture of food, you can develop a better relationship with what you eat. This can help you become more in tune with your body’s hunger and fullness signals, which can ultimately lead to eating less and feeling more satisfied.
So how can you start practicing mindful eating? Here are some tips:
Pay attention to your hunger and fullness signals
Before you eat, ask yourself how hungry you are on a scale from 1-10. Aim to start eating when you’re at a 3 or 4 and stop when you’re at a 6 or 7.
Eliminate distractions
Turn off the TV, put away your phone, and focus solely on the act of eating.
Take your time
Chew slowly and savor each bite. Put your fork down between bites and take a breath.
Be mindful of your emotions
Are you eating because you’re truly hungry, or because you’re stressed or bored? If it’s the latter, find a healthier way to deal with those emotions.
Enjoy your food
Focus on the flavors, textures, and aromas of your food. Take pleasure in the experience of eating.
By practicing mindful eating, you can learn to enjoy your food more and develop a healthier relationship with what you eat. Give it a try and see how it can help you on your weight loss journey.
Sources
Harvard Health Publishing. (2021). Mindful eating may help with weight loss. Harvard Health. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/mindful-eating-may-help-with-weight-loss-201303296083.