Mindful Eating: Are You Actually Tasting Your Food?

Hello Ziddis! Have you ever found yourself finishing a meal, only to not even remember what it was or what it tasted like? Maybe you were distracted between scrolling and finding the perfect sitcom to watch while you ate, or you had a rushed, working meal. Eating has become another multitasking activity, but this distracted way of eating doesn’t just rob you of the enjoyment but also leads to overeating, poor digestion and a weaker connection with your body’s hunger cues!

Mindful Eating

What is mindful eating that you are hearing about on social media or through influencers? Mindful eating is a practice of being fully present while you eat and paying attention to the food. It follows the principles of mindfulness, which encourage us to be aware of what we eat instead of hurriedly filling our stomachs. When one eats mindfully, they are more likely to notice the meal, their own satiety and also enjoy the food more. Basically, “autopilot hogging” is out of the window, and we bring in more awareness to the table, which helps us understand whether we are eating for the sake of it or for the needs of our body. 

Foods to Eat for Brain Health

Eating for the needs of your body will not only help in portion control but also ensure that one’s food has an actual purpose. Such as these foods for brain health:

• Fatty fish rich in omega-3
• Nuts and seeds like almonds and walnuts
• Berries are packed with antioxidants
• Leafy greens like spinach and kale
• Whole grains for steady energy
• Dark chocolate for mood regulation

While these foods are great for your cognitive functioning, they are also very healthy and have an impact on your overall fitness journey. 

Mindful Eating and Weight Loss

Mindful eating isn’t a fad diet like intermittent fasting or keto. But it has been shown to make a significant improvement in people’s weight loss journey. Here’s how:

• The slower you eat, the more time it gives your brain and body to register if it is full and satiated 
• You become more aware of the food you eat and end up not hogging junk mindlessly
• Your usual portion size shrinks because you feel fuller with less food

Unlike restrictive diets, what mindful eating does is build a healthier relationship with food, reduce guilt associated with eating and end your binge eating cycles.

Mindful Eating Practices

You do not need to alter your entire lifestyle. Making small shifts can make a big difference.

• Have at least one meal a day where you are not distracted by media or other elements.
• Chew slowly and eat without rushing yourself
• Be alert with regards to the food you eat, its smell, texture and taste
• Eat at a table, not your workstation or in bed
• Clear your headspace of any distracting thoughts before you sit to eat
• Dedicating 15 to 20 minutes to each meal can improve digestion and satisfaction.
• Make every craving indulgence healthy by including fit foods and oats protein.

Read Also: Eating for Energy: How to Stay Fuelled All Day

Takeaway

While mindful eating is starting to sound like Instagram influencer jargon when they are asked about their summer bods, it is just as simple as being aware of the food you have. Growing up, we heard from our parents and grandparents to focus on our meals and not watch television or talk when we have it. Mindful eating is just that, with a healthy tag attached to it. It’s time to choose to slow down and truly experience your meals for better digestion, improved portion control, and a deeper appreciation for food.