5 tips for eating consciously

We’ve all been there, that moment when you crave “a little snack” and you realize that you end up devouring the entire box of cookies or a bag of chips. What would you do if you discovered that you could have prevented your binge eating by adopting the practice of mindful eating? I admit, it seems easier than it is. But nothing is impossible. Being more aware of what we put in our bodies, however, can help us make healthier choices in the long run. Michele Promaulayko—editor-in-chief of Yahoo, and former vice president and editor-in-chief of Women’s Health magazine said: “In a 2013 study from Kent State University, researchers found that mindfulness strategies – for example, paying close attention to the taste and smell of food – significantly increased people’s satiety after a meal.” Today I bring you 5 tips for eating consciously. Food should be savored Taking time to enjoy each meal is one of the best ways to achieve your ideal weight and even increase your great love for food. Think about it this way, when you get lost in an activity like driving to work or chatting with a friend, you lose the concentration you should have used to focus on each meal. When you focus on what you’re doing at the moment, you’re more likely to notice once you’ve filled up, preventing yourself from overeating and gaining weight. Eliminate technology We live in a technology-driven world where it is socially acceptable to send or respond to text messages, emails, and a saturation ion on social media, while enjoying a three-course meal. But you can stop that terrible habit because you could fall into what is called “the eating habit.” People who engage with technology during a meal or snack while watching a movie often consume more than they need. If you can’t live without your movie theater snack, consider buying something healthy instead of popcorn and candy. Appreciate the flavors of every meal In today’s busy world, we don’t always have time to sit down and enjoy every meal in the way we would expect. However, when you make a conscious effort to take just one minute of each meal to pay attention to the flavors of your favorite dish or snack, you will learn to appreciate the food on your plate. Lastly, focus on the flavors of a healthy dish vs. Artificial junk food, for example, can help you make healthier food choices. “Connecting” with Food Mindfulness is really about rekindling a relationship with our food. So before you venture out on your next trip to the grocery store, consider stopping by the farmers’ market or shop local first and slowly plant your next garden. Be honest with yourself Before you head to the kitchen, ask yourself how hungry you are. Are you bored or hungry? When you get into the habit of snacking out of boredom, it will be much harder to stop, but if you only prepare food when you are really hungry you can prevent yourself from overeating