Screen Shot 2019-08-30 at 10.34.00 AM

Blue Zones Project Blog

Live Longer, Better®

1 min read

Tips for Mindful Eating

Apr 21, 2020 10:09:00 AM

“Hey! Who ate all my chips!?”
 
I think we’ve all fallen victim to mindless munching before, but becoming a mindful eater isn’t just for the meditators and yogis. Mindful eating should be a goal for all of us.
 

Mindful eating starts well before you take your first bite.

When planning what to eat, consider the fact that food is not just calories, it is instruction for your body. What you eat becomes your blood, affecting the quality of your cells, tissues, organs and mind, so choose wisely.
 
Mindful Eating Image  Photo by Anna Pelzer on UnsplashGive your body a better chance to absorb the nutrients from your food by not drinking beverages during your meal. Instead, drink a glass of water 20 minutes before your meals. And rather than using a drink to wash down your food, chew your foods until it becomes close to a liquid state. These tips will help you to eat less, taste your food better, absorb more nutrients, and make eating more enjoyable overall. 
 
Use mealtime as an event. Sit with loved ones at the table and engage in nourishing conversation. Put your eating utensils down between bites and eat slowly, so you will notice when you are about 80 percent full. Furthermore, use smaller-sized plates and leave the serving bowls away from the table, so you’re less likely to reach for that second helping. 
 
Consider these actions steps, and you’ll slowly become a more mindful eater. Bon appetit!
 
Post generously contributed by: Sarah Hankey, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Executive Director of Sustainable Health for All in Brevard, North Carolina
 
Photo by Anna Pelzer on Unsplash
 
Blue Zones Project is brought to Brevard by Pisgah Health Foundation 

Featured