Mindful eating is using physical and emotional senses to experience and enjoy the food you eat. It helps you become aware of your own eating habits and discourage judgment of other eating behaviors. This type of awareness can allow you to learn how different foods impact your body, mind and daily life through your five senses – taste, smell, touch, sight and sound.
Tips for mindful eating:
- Engage all senses. Focus on each bite using all your senses, including the sounds, colors, smells, tastes and textures of the food and how you feel when eating.
- Eat slowly. Serve in modest portions on a 10-inch plate or smaller and eat until you are satisfied.
- Eat without distractions. Identify which foods your body needs that will nourish you.
- Don’t skip meals. Going too long without eating increases the risk of strong hunger, which can lead to unhealthy, convenient food choices.
- Express gratitude. Acknowledge how you feel after eating.
Source:
Mindful Eating, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
