Eating is a healthy and pleasurable activity that comes naturally to us. However, it is a pity that in today’s age it has been reduced to a mindless and unhappy affair. The reason for this is an increasingly food-abundant as well as diet-obsessed culture that’s prevalent everywhere, which encourages binge eating as well as unnecessary dieting. Somewhere along the route to progression, we’ve forgotten how to be present while eating. A majority of us don’t overeat because of hunger pangs; rather, we overeat because of distractions around us, packages as well as easy access to processed food, and even while socialising. Those of us who are prone to being couch potatoes have it worse, since mindless munching in front of the TV makes it easy to lose track of what we’re ingesting.
The real problem is not inherent in our food, fat cells, stomach or intestines. It’s all in our minds. We have lost touch with our inner beings and what our bodies are trying to tell us about hunger and satisfaction. Once we are in tune with our bodies, mindful eating will come naturally, and guide us to making the right choices about food as well as the desirable quantity. It’s all about living in the moment and being conscious about your inner and outer being and the environment as a whole. Paying complete attention to the process of eating and drinking will lead to greater awareness as well as appreciation of the various colours, textures, smells, and flavours of food.
Mindful eating is not just about eating slowly without any distractions – it embraces the complete consumption process. First and foremost, an awareness of physical and emotional cues is necessary, after which comes the recognition of non-hunger triggers. We need to realise that eating is not the solution to everything, and address our different needs with their relevant solutions. It’s important to avoid emotional eating, and choose food for its original purpose – which is nourishment and enjoyment. Eat to satisfy yourself and keep yourself satiated, as this will help you lead a healthier and livelier lifestyle. Mindfulness helps you live in the moment and take control of your situation, thus solving eating issues which may seem challenging to change. All you need to do is ask yourself a simple question every time you find yourself reaching for a snack – Am I hungry?
Regardless of whether you’re going out for a meal or a party, or simply sitting at your workstation, you’ll be exposed to a number of temptations to overindulge, and mindful eating is the solution to tackling tempting scenarios on a daily basis. This will help you experience food in all its glory, with all five senses. A balanced diet doesn’t necessarily have to be boring, once you start savouring food and enjoying the wholesome goodness of it!
Making small changes to your daily diet will go a long way in controlling food choices, and one of the most efficient ways to do this is starting off each day on the right note with a healthy breakfast. This is the most important meal of the day for a number of reasons, which include weight control as well as energetic performance. A boost of nutrients, vitamins and minerals prepares you for mentally as well as physically-demanding tasks at the workplace, school or anywhere else and also helps in lowering cholesterol levels. Choose healthy food options such as lean protein, whole-grain cereals, fruits, vegetables, and low or non-fat dairy for breaking your fast every morning, and experience the multiple health benefits this simple lifestyle choice can make.
Making small changes to your everyday routine is all it takes to make a noticeable difference and the best part is you don’t have to make huge sacrifices to reap the benefits!
If you would like to find out how Healing Touch’s Detox & Slim Therapy can complement your weight management plan, check here.