Easy Mindful Eating Tips You Can Do Right Now

If you have followed me for some time or know me well, you might know that I am very much an anti-diet type of person. I enjoy food very much, just in a plant-based way of eating. ⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
BUT some may say that the way I eat is a diet. ⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I don’t look at it that way. I eat pizza, salads, pasta dishes, roasted veggie bowls, and cookies here and there but eliminated what wasn’t working for MY body. I don’t track what I eat, couldn’t even tell you how many calories a typical meal I enjoy has. I simply live and eat mindfully and carrotfully.

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘mindful eating’? It is eating slowly and without distractions.

What does mindful eating look like?

Eating this way has kept my weight pretty consistent (I think- I don’t weigh myself either) for over two years now. And you know what I realize now, it feels really good. When looking at food as a source of fuel, my mind easily makes the right choice. It took patience, practice and planning to get here but now it has become a habit.

When you have a healthy relationship with food, you are able to eat food with enjoyment and eat for the nutrients it provides. You eat when you are hungry, stop eating when you feel satisfied and eat things that make you feel good. Mindful eating is as simple as that.

Here are 6 mindful eating tips you can do at home right now

Sit down at a table when you eat. If it is just you, sit at the table. If it is you and 10 other people, sit down at the table. Try really hard to not watch the TV. The point is to focus on your food, your conversations, and how you are feeling while you eat.
Clear away the clutter on the table. Those are distractions and a reminder, we are focusing on the food.
Use utensils you like. I know this sounds silly but what you eat with can make a difference in how fast you get through a meal. If your table, sitting area, and utensils look appealing, you are going to want to stay longer and eat slower. (hint… This is REALLY good for you).
Set your pace, even if sitting alone. Eat slowly, chew your food well. How does it taste? What does the texture feel like? How would you describe it? When you are eating a bowl of ice cream, wouldn’t you rather enjoy it, savor it, and really get to enjoy the taste?! Slowly eat that and love every bite. By teaching your body to enjoy these foods, overtime you are less likely to get up and have seconds.
I mentioned no TV in step number one but an option is to have music on in the background. The music of choice is up to you but I suggest something that is soothing and calming for you.
Minimize any distractions your phone or devices might bring. At our dinner table at home, we have a no-phone rule. It is our chance to talk together as a family and ask how everyone is doing. Our favorite question to ask is “what was your favorite part of the day?” It usually starts a good conversation amongst all of us.

What are the Benefits of Mindful Eating?

Mindful eating has been shown to:

Reduce Stress
Improve Digestive Functions
Help Reduce Overeating and Weight Gain

By taking the time to appreciate the food in front of us at a slower pace, our stress levels go down and in turn, we start to have a healthy relationship with food.