Jun 5, 2023
It’s no wonder mindfulness has gained significant attention in recent years.
Our days are filled with constant notifications, demanding schedules, and tempting distractions like TV shows and social media.
Finding moments of tranquillity has become essential in reducing stress, surviving the overwhelming nature of modern life, and regaining clarity.
But did you know you can bring peace and awareness to your eating habits as well? It’s called mindful eating.
Today, we’ll explore mindful eating and how it can transform your relationship with food while promoting a healthier you.
Disclaimer: Mindful eating can contribute to developing healthy eating habits and positive relationships with food. However, people with eating disorders should consult a certified healthcare professional for specialised guidance and support.
Mindful eating is a concept connected with the broader philosophy of mindfulness, which has been practised for over 2500 years.
Mindful eating is about more than just eating food — it’s about building a healthy relationship with what we eat.
And why is it so important today? Well, the truth is, many of us have fallen into the habit of eating on autopilot.
We rush through meals, often preoccupied with our thoughts or glued to screens, barely paying attention to the food in front of us.
Mindful eating is all about improving our eating experience. We become more aware of the entire process, taking the time to truly enjoy each bite.
We start paying attention to the flavours, textures, and sensations that food brings to our bodies.
But it goes beyond solely focusing on physical sensations; it engages our emotional senses too.
When we practice mindful eating, we become conscious of emotional connections to food. We bring awareness to how our emotions influence our eating behaviours and choices.
Practising mindful eating offers a range of benefits that can positively impact our well-being and overall relationship with food.
Ever had those moments when you can’t even remember what you had for lunch? It happens to all of us because eating has become such a mindless act.
We may remember every detail of the video we watched while eating, but we don’t really pay attention to how the food feels.
However, when we make the shift to mindful eating, something truly magical occurs. Here’s how mindful eating enhances our enjoyment of meals:
Mindful eating isn’t about following a diet or restricting certain foods.
Unlike diets that solely focus on weight and often create narratives centred around body size, mindful eating takes a different approach.
It promotes freedom and encourages you to be present and engaged with your food without feeling guilty or judged.
Mindful eating helps develop a deeper connection with yourself and discover what truly nourishes you — making you aware of your body’s natural hunger, fullness, and satisfaction cues.
While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to voluntarily change your food choices or shape, that’s not the primary goal of mindful eating.
It instead centres on increasing your awareness of food, emotions, and personal needs.
Mindfulness has a remarkable impact on stress reduction and mental health.
Research shows a strong link between mindfulness, guided meditation, and lower cortisol levels, commonly known as the “stress hormone.”
Having a non-judgmental attitude towards food, ourselves, and our emotions can help reduce stress levels.
Likewise, eating mindfully boosts self-esteem and encourages us to avoid distractions like social media, which may increase anxiety.
When people turn to food to cope with their emotions rather than responding to genuine hunger — it’s called emotional eating.
Stress is one of the main culprits behind this behaviour.
When stressed, cortisol levels rise, increasing our appetite and potentially leading to overeating.
As we discussed earlier, practising mindfulness exercises can help reduce the impact of this stress hormone.
However, mindful eating takes it a step further in addressing binge eating tendencies.
One of the core principles of mindful eating is to pay closer attention to our body’s cues of hunger and fullness.
It involves recognising the emotional triggers that drive our cravings and distinguishing between genuine physical hunger and emotional reactions.
A study suggests that mindfulness meditation can help reduce binge eating and emotional eating in people who engage in these behaviours.
By developing this awareness, we can better understand and manage our relationship with food.
Mindful eating empowers us to make conscious choices and respond to our body’s genuine signals, helping to break free from the cycle of emotional eating.
When we eat mindfully, we take our time and slow down, allowing our bodies to chew and absorb nutrients properly.
This supports optimal digestion and helps reduce discomfort like bloating.
Research suggests that mindful eating can positively affect digestion and overall well-being.
As we discussed, mindful eating is about being present with our bodies and emotions while we eat.
This approach helps reduce stress and maintain a balanced nervous system — essential for healthy digestion.
By incorporating mindful eating into our routine, we can help our bodies to regulate the stress response and enhance digestive function.
Before you start eating, take a moment to check in with yourself. Notice any emotions or thoughts that arise. Are you feeling stressed, anxious, or happy? Acknowledge these emotions without judgment and understand if you’re experiencing emotional hunger.
Find a quiet and peaceful space to enjoy your meal by minimising distractions such as TV, phones, or work-related activities. Create an ambience that promotes relaxation and mindfulness.
As you prepare your food or sit down for a meal, take a moment to observe the visual appeal of your plate.
Switch to intuitive eating, where you notice colours, shapes, and textures. Soak up the scent and appreciate the enticing aromas.
Begin eating at a relaxed pace. Take small bites and chew slowly, paying attention to the taste and texture of the food. Be fully present in the experience of eating and savouring each mouthful.
Pause periodically during your meal to assess your level of hunger and fullness. Listen to your body’s signals and eat until you feel comfortably satisfied rather than overly full.
Throughout the meal, be aware of any thoughts or cravings that arise. Instead of acting on them impulsively, observe them with curiosity and let them pass without judgment.
Express gratitude for the nourishment provided by the food. Reflect on the effort that went into its production, from the farmers to the cooks. Develop a deeper appreciation for the sustenance you receive.
Extend the principles of mindful eating to other food-related activities. Become more conscious of your snack choices, food preparation, and grocery shopping. Bring mindfulness to every aspect of your relationship with food.
Remember that mindful eating is a practice, and moments of mindlessness or slip-ups are okay. Approach yourself with kindness and compassion, letting go of any self-criticism or guilt associated with eating.
Like any skill, mindful eating improves with practice. Make it a regular part of your routine. The more you engage in mindful eating, the more natural and effortless it will become.
Let’s see the main differences between mindless and mindful eating.
Mindless eating:
Mindful eating:
As you can see, mindful eating encourages us to break free from mindless habits and develop a more conscious and enjoyable eating experience.
So, the next time you have a meal or snack, try it and see how it transforms your eating experience.
Remember, practising mindfulness takes time, so be patient and kind to yourself as you embark on this journey.
