What is Mindful Eating?

Going back to work, kids heading back to school, life in general (sigh).

Our lives aren’t showing any signs of slowing down, and if you’re anything like me, eating and snacking ends up happening in the car! I made a commitment to myself this year to bring back some work-life balance. The end result is yet to be seen but one thing I have been doing is trying to eat more mindfully.

Mindful eating is a practice that involves paying attention to the food we eat and the experience of eating. It's about being present in the moment and fully engaging our senses in an effort to nourish our bodies. By being mindful of what we eat, we can make healthier choices, improve our digestion and overall health, and even lose weight.

One of the main benefits of mindful eating is that it allows us to be more in tune with our bodies' needs. Oftentimes, we eat without really paying attention to what our bodies are telling us. We may eat when we're not really hungry, or we may continue eating even after we've had enough. Mindful eating helps us to tune into our bodies' hunger and fullness cues, so that we can eat only when we're truly hungry and stop when we're full.

Another benefit of mindful eating is that it allows us to fully enjoy the experience of eating. When we're not paying attention to our food (like when we’re in the car taking our kids to the next sports practice), we tend to eat quickly and without savouring the flavours and textures. Mindful eating encourages us to slow down and enjoy each bite, which can make our meals more satisfying and enjoyable. 

Mindful eating can also have a positive impact on our mental well-being, as it helps us to focus on the present moment. It can also help us to develop a more positive relationship with food, as we learn to appreciate it for its nourishing properties rather than using it as a form of emotional comfort.

Practical ways to start incorporating mindful eating: 

• Take a few minutes before each meal to take a few deep breaths and set an intention for your meal. This could be something like “I will eat slowly and savour each bite.” 
• Pay attention to the colours, textures, and flavours of your food. Use all of your senses to appreciate the food you’re eating. 
• Try to avoid distractions like that TV or your phone while eating. Sitting at the table or bench and chatting with family or friends is far more rewarding.

Mindful eating can be a powerful tool for improving your overall health and well-being. By paying attention to the food we eat and the experience of eating, we can improve our day-to-day eating habits. With a little practice, anyone can learn to eat mindfully and reap the benefits.

Written by Registered Dietitian, Sharon Sutton