Mindful Eating and Weight Loss

Ever eat while driving in the car?

Standing up in the kitchen? While reading, watching television or at the computer?

My guess is that the answer is yes.  Me too.  Life is busy, multi-tasking is valued, and racing against time is common.  But what does this do to our bodies?  Plenty, and none of it good.

This kind of eating creates internal chaos.

In our rush, we often lose track of what we eat and therefore, we tend to over eat and gain weight.  In our rush, we often eat processed foods with preservatives, artificial ingredients and toxins – none of which is the least bit helpful for our health.  In our rush, we rob ourselves of the pleasure of savoring good food and the joy of a bountiful culinary experience.

Let me suggest a better way:

Let’s talk about mindful eating and how it can not only help you lose weight, but you will be healthier and enjoy the experience.Mindful eating.  Eat with intention.  When you eat, eat.  When you read, read. When you drive, drive.  When you make love, make love.  Whatever you do, do it mindfully and with intention.

♥  First, never eat in the car or standing up or while doing another activity.

Eat sitting down at a properly set table – even for one.  Actually – especially for one.  Even if it is at your desk – clear a spot, set out a placemat, your dish, maybe a vase with a flower – make it a beautiful break in your day, even if it is only a brief one.

♥  Second, eat real food.

As often as you can, eat real food – food that is unprocessed, fresh, preferably plant based.  Go to your local farmer’s market or organic food store and look at all of the beautiful bounty available to you.  Choose different colors, flavors and seasonal foods.  Get used to trying new produce and expanding your repertoire of culinary experiences.

♥  Third, eat with intention.

As you sit before your meal, pause and breathe.  You may say a prayer of gratitude, or you may simply just shut out your day and focus on the food before you.  Look at the different colors – smell the aromas – think about where your food came from and how it will enrich your beautiful body.

♥  Fourth, eat slowly.

Taste your food.  Chew it.  Put down your fork and breathe.  How do you feel?  Take time with your meal.  Europeans already know this secret – the slower we eat, the more opportunity we have to taste and enjoy our food, and the more we can be attune to our body’s signals telling us that we are satisfied.  After a few bites, stop – are you satisfied?  Is the hunger gone? Stop eating before you are full.  The feeling of fullness will happen ten to twenty minutes after you began eating.  Remember:  you do not have to clean your plate.

♥  Fifth, leave the table satisfied, but not stuffed.

Leave the table feeling good about your food choices and beautiful because you treated your body to just what it needs rather than unconsciously stuffing it with chemicals and toxins.

Eating mindfully is a way to celebrate food while treating your body with love and by eating less, you will lose weight.  By eating real food, your health will become vibrant.  There is no room in your precious life to feel deprived.  Be mindful and celebrate life and health and beauty.  You deserve it.

Mindful Eating and Weight Loss
By Ann Campbell