By Luisa Siniscalchi, NEW Health Nutritionist
National Nutrition Month is a great time to reflect on dietary habits and make positive changes. A transformative approach to making dietary change is mindful eating. This practice promotes overall wellbeing by encouraging individuals to pay close attention to food choices and the eating experience.
Mindful Eating Tips:
- Savor the Moment: Instead of rushing through meals, take the time to appreciate the food in front of you. Engage your senses by noting the aroma, taste, and even the sound of your food. By slowing down, you allow your body to recognize satiety cues, preventing overeating.
- Stop and Think: Before making a food choice, take a few seconds to pause and reflect. Think about the food you are choosing to eat or buy and why you are making that choice. This brief pause allows you to make mindful decisions about your food intake, promoting a healthier and more intentional approach to eating.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay close attention to your body’s hunger and fullness signals. Mindful eating encourages individuals to eat when hungry and stop when satisfied.
- Eliminate Distractions: Turn off electronic devices, step away from work, and create a calm environment for your meals. Removing distractions helps you focus on your food, enhancing the dining experience and aiding digestion.
- Choose Nutrient-Rich Foods: Mindful eating isn’t just about how you eat; it’s also about what you eat. Opt for vegetables, fruits, and nutrient-dense, whole foods that nourish your body and provide sustained energy.
Benefits of Mindful Eating:
- Weight Management: By promoting awareness of hunger and fullness cues, mindful eating can contribute to weight management. People are less likely to overeat when they are attuned to their body’s signals.
- Improved Digestion: Creating a relaxed environment and taking the time to chew food thoroughly can aid digestion.
- Enhanced Enjoyment of Food: Mindful eating encourages a deeper appreciation for the sensory experience of eating. This not only leads to a more enjoyable meal but can also reduce the desire for unhealthy, processed foods.
For more tips on how to eat healthy during National Nutrition Month, click here.
