5 top tips for mindful eating

November 22, 2022

We know all about the benefits of mindfulness and how it can positively impact our lifestyles but what about the valuable outcomes of practicing mindful eating? From more appreciation of our food to better control over our eating habits – mindful eating encourages a slow and steady approach to consumption. One that celebrates self-awareness and supports us in recognising the physical and emotional sensations tied to what we eat and drink.

1. Eat patiently and slowly
That’s right – the days of rushing through your meals are over! In our busy world of fast food, door to door delivery and infinite meal choice, sitting down for a bite has shifted from a considered act to something we squash in between screen time, overtime and social obligations. Mindful eating asks us to take our time with our meals and to savour these moments as their own experiences. Try to apply mindfulness to your next meal. Sit down, breathe deeply and enjoy your food without urgency or distractions. For the next half an hour – there’s nowhere else you need to be and nothing more you need to do than fuel your body with good food and good thoughts.

2. Get focused
No distractions truly means no distractions. Turn that TV off, pop your phone on silent and place it in the next room and shut down the laptop. Instead of distracting yourself with screen time, hone your attention onto the meal or beverage in front of you. You might want to place more focus on chewing thoroughly and savouring each flavour. As you eat in silence, take in the sounds that surround you. After all, they’re part of the eating experience, too. Use this time to think about what you’re eating – how does the food or beverages you’re enjoying make you feel? By eating and drinking mindfully in a considered environment and at a slower pace, you’ll learn to enjoy these moments intentional acts, not mindless ones.

3. Learn when to press pause
Did you know it can take your brain up to 20 minutes to realise you’re full? So many of us continue to eat even when we’ve definitely had enough. Mindful eating asks us to listen to our bodies and hunger cues and consider when we’re actually satiated. If you’re satisfied and there’s no need for more – then take this as a sign it’s time to stop eating. More often than not, we continue to eat out of boredom or habit. Listening to our bodies and learning to stop when we’re full is a wonderful way to connect with your gut and your mind.

4. Eating with a bigger purpose
It’s important to remember that eating isn’t just about satisfying those hunger pains but rather a way for us to maintain overall health and wellbeing. Think of food as fuel and medicine for your mind and body, and how choosing the right ingredients and eating with intent can turn mealtime into a session of self-care. In appreciating your food, you’ll learn to value your body more. This can lead to further beneficial outcomes for your mental wellbeing and overall happiness.

5. Discover a healthier, happier you
Not only will mindful eating help you become more aware of the triggers that encourage you to eat even when you’re not hungry, it will help you acknowledge these triggers and learn to overcome them. This is no easy feat, and something that may take some time. But once you start to explore this element of your eating habits, it opens a world of possibilities to tweak, change, celebrate and grow your body’s relationship with food.

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November 22, 2022

1. Eat patiently and slowly

2. Get focused

3. Learn when to press pause

4. Eating with a bigger purpose

5. Discover a healthier, happier you

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