The Importance of Mindful Eating

Do you practice mindful eating or gulp down your food in a mad rush? 

The proper diet involves not just what you eat – when, how, and how much you eat matter as well. Ineffective digestion often stems from not following the simple concept of awareness of what you're eating, while you're eating.

Why mindful eating is important

Mindful eating teaches both our body and mind about hunger and satisfaction. It has actually been shown to reduce binge eating, help with weight loss and make us feel good all over. 

The practice of mindful eating helps us gain control over our eating habits. In essence, mindful eating involves paying full attention to the food we eat, including what we buy and how we prepare and enjoy our meals.

Taking the time to create a ritual of nourishing intent when you eat means that your body is fortified rather than depleted of nutrients due to your eating habits. You'll end up consuming less as you're present in the moment of eating and more likely to stop when you feel satiated.

Overeating is usually a result of individuals not being mindful or wholly present as they eat. Hence, it's important that you take the time to enjoy each meal. Put aside everything else (physically, mentally, and emotionally) and simply focus on eating. Being connected with your body at meal times is imperative for a strong mind-body connection.

How to develop the habit of mindful eating

The following guidelines should help you establish healthy and sensible eating habits:

1. Never eat when you're tired, upset, angry or worried. Fatigue, negative emotions and stress impair proper digestion.
   
   
2. Don't eat unless you're really hungry. Your body isn't ready to receive the food unless you're truly hungry.
   
   
3. Eat your largest meal at midday. When the sun is at its highest, so are the digestive powers of pepsin, one of the main enzymes responsible for digestion and metabolism. Constantly high levels of pepsin can lead to acidity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
   
   
4. Have a light meal for dinner. Ideally, you should have your last meal of the day at least three hours before retiring. Eating heavily or too late at night will leave undigested food to putrefy in the gut and disturb sound sleep as well as digestion.
   
   
5. A little light exercise before meals stimulates the appetite and digestion. It does this by consuming residual humoral superfluities.
   
   
6. Drink the most water between meals. Only take occasional sips as you consume a meal, as drinking too much water dilutes the digestive juices. Small amounts, however, will moisten the food and lubricate its passage down the gullet.
   
   
7. Don't overeat. Never fill your stomach past three-quarters full. Always leave some space for air – that way your stomach has some working room.
   
   
8. Chew your food well before swallowing. Digestion does not simply take place in the stomach. It begins in the mouth by masticating the food and mixing it with saliva.
   
   
9. Eat in good company. This makes mealtime a happy and joyful occasion. Did you know that excessive pensiveness and melancholy can ruin digestion?
   
   
10. Never eat on the run. Always take the time to digest your food properly. Anxiety and stress interfere with proper digestion.

Take the first steps to mindful eating

While it may seem like a no-brainer, mindful eating can be easier said than done. A lot of things can get in the way of establishing a healthy and mindful eating routine – busy lifestyles, wrong food choices, a lack of determination, or even hormonal issues!

If you struggle with your weight, then you could try our Happy Weight which is a plant-based protein supplement to assist in reducing overall calorie intake. Our Happy Weight group is also a fantastic place to discuss diet and tips to lose weight.

To check if your health concerns are related to hormonal imbalance, take our FREE online assessment so we can direct you along the right path to wellness.

Make sure you also join the private Happy Hormones Facebook group to connect with other women who are on their journey to optimum hormonal health and happiness!

Better yet, get a copy of our new HAPPY HEALTHY YOU book. This comprehensive guide includes dozens of delicious, healthy recipes as well as scientifically-backed tips to help you look and feel your absolute best. With "Happy Healthy You" as your roadmap, you'll be empowered to create the vibrant, energized life you deserve.

Order your copy today and get started on your journey to lasting health and happiness.