Tag: Diet

I figured this would be good topic to discuss right after the Thanksgiving holiday and right before the winter holidays and festivities. Mindful eating.

Most of us stuff ourselves, gain weight, then work hard to get it back off through spring up to summer.  We bring mindfulness to our daily lives from taking breaks, having mindful minutes, breathing, and meditation. So, why not just take a step back and bring mindfulness to our eating habits. Not just through this time of year, but all year around.

We listen to advertisements and others opinions what’s good or bad for us and what’s healthy or not. We all know what is and what isn’t by now. If we just listen to our body we can manage to eat better, healthier, and wiser. It’s all about knowing what your body needs at the right time. It’s about what you eat, how you eat, and when you eat. Even throwing in some kind of detoxing and/or fasting routine for the unhealthy stuff we consume. 

Along with this, be mindful during mealtimes. Instead of “your eyes being bigger than your stomach,” eating too fast, or scarfing down your food, take the time and slow down. Enjoy your food. Get the right portions your body needs. Take in all the essence of the food with your senses. Feel the textures and listen to it as you’re preparing it, the cutting of the knive into the vegetables you might be slicing or the sounds it’s making while it’s cooking. Feel the difference of textures from raw to cooked. When looking at it, notice the colors of the food. Smell the food, smell all the ingredients/spices you might be adding to your dish. Then of course, as you’re eating, slowly taste each ingredient as it enters your mouth. Notice the texture of the food in your mouth. This is a good way to slow children down that are fast eaters and want to shove their faces.

At meal times you can discuss what they think it smells like, what colors they see on their plate, and what they think it tastes like. I’ve done this with groups of children I’ve had in the past and currently. They really delight in it, it gives them a chance to talk while enjoying their food at meal times. They’re actually learning a lot doing this, as well. From using their senses, learning colors (for the young,) to social skills. It may even ease them into trying new foods. Make it a new habit, or add it to your mealtime ritual.

Another thing I would like to add, it’s okay to play with your food, respectfully. For children, as long as they’re still eating, there’s nothing wrong with them playing a little, they’re learning through their senses about their food.