On the Journey to Losing Weight the Mindful Way
Since I’ve started living a more mindful life, I’ve been applying it to various areas and experiencing an increased sense of calm and harmony. Eating mindfully is one such area. Earlier, food and eating was just another thing I had to do and it was usually done along with something else – watching TV, reading, talking on the cellphone. However, now I’ve made a conscious decision to pay attention to my food and my meals. Basically, be more mindful when eating and focus on the meal rather than anything else.
Mindful eating is not easy for me. As I’ve often said, I was a compulsive multi-tasker and I used to feel that if I can get something done while eating or snacking, then why not? Well, as much as I hate to admit it, I was wrong. Paying attention to my food and focusing on the meal in front of me has helped me to learn some surprising things about my hunger pangs, distinguish thirst from hunger and also, eat less. As a result, I’ve found that am actually losing weight by eating mindfully.
Eating Mindfully Helps Direct Attention to Satiety
Earlier on, I would simply serve myself my usual portions and finish them without a second thought. Simply because, I would be so absorbed in the book or TV program that was going on that I would forget to even think whether I really needed to finish everything off. Now, I make it a point to sit down at the table and pay attention to every bite. Surprise! Portions have reduced on their own. I feel fuller faster and therefore, am eating less without starving myself.
Eating Mindfully Helps Distinguish Thirst from Hunger
Since starting to eat mindfully, I’ve found that instead of reaching for a snack each time I felt like, I stop and actually ask myself if it is water I need. Turns out, it usually is. I usually confuse thirst with hunger but mindful eating and paying attention to my body’s signals has helped me to get more attuned to what it really needs.
Eating Mindfully Has Made Eating Enjoyable
I enjoy food. I love good food. No wonder, weight is an issue. However, mindful eating has helped me to truly savor food and its flavors. I love tasting the sharpness of limes, the freshness of coriander, the richness of curries and the wholesome goodness of lentils and pulses. Paying attention to the burst of flavors and fragrances has also helped me to actually experience food and enjoy it completely.
I love eating a meal mindfully. With our daughter strapped into her high chair, we sit and enjoy our meals together. While it may not be possible or practical for me to eat all my meals everywhere mindfully, I do make mealtimes peace-filled and happy. Do you enjoy eating a quiet meal, being immersed in every bite you take?
Photo Credit: extranoise
Hi Prerna,
You always write beautiful posts. Its a good idea to be mindful especially during a good meal. Sometimes if difficult when you have a young child. We tend to focus our attention on them. Thank you for visiting my blog!
Great post and a great reminder. Food is such a wonderful pleasure. It's a shame that we multi-taskers feel the need to rush through meals.
I'm going to try to take your advice and eat mindfully and enjoy my meals.
I absolutely love eating mindfully! I get to enjoy and actually taste my food. However, it begins with mindful preparation of the meal. Preparing and cooking the meal with love and attention. It makes eating the food that much more enjoyable.
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