Do you know what signals your body gives you when it is getting full? Have you contemplated this question even once before? If you haven't, you are not alone. Chances are you have become a "mindless" eater, and need to begin carving a path back to "mindful" eating.
Most of us living busy lives are no longer eating for nourishment. Nor are we in touch with the true enjoyment of food. We simply eat because it has to get done, and hopefully, in as little time as possible. So little time is spent honoring mealtimes that we often combine eating with other activities like watching TV or driving. Who can stop and enjoy food when there is so much to do?
Food is fuel for the body and it should be treated as such. We should be taking reasonable bites, chewing food thoroughly, and paying close attention to the different textures and tastes for complete enjoyment. In the process of eating in a mindful way lies an opportunity to recognize when we are getting full or feeling satisfied and opportunity to stop eating. When we are not mindful of our eating, we keep reaching into the bag of chips again and again, or reach for seconds or thirds until feeling ill and pushing away from the table. This is no way to live, and certainly no way to successfully manage one's weight.
If we all slowed down a bit, and made eating a stand-alone effort, we might find that we could get by on less. We might even recognize that our hunger patterns shift throughout the day and that is not necessary to plow through what we "think" we should be eating at every meal. Instead, we could be driven more by body intelligence, and what "feels" like the right amount. What "feels" like the right amount at breakfast today, might "feel" differently tomorrow. Hunger patterns can, and do change. I, myself, have been guilty of continuing to eat something I did not even find satisfying. Why would I do this? Perhaps in an effort to fill an emotional void, or to find some sort of comfort through food. Unfortunately, emotional voids can never be filled with food, and one can do a lot of damage in the process of trying to do so.
Experiment with one meal and try mindful eating to understand what it means. This would mean eating without including other activities, chewing food slowly and thoroughly, and putting the fork down between bites. Putting the fork down provides a chance to enjoy the flavors and textures of the food being consumed. Concentrate on the thought that your body is being nourished and fueled. See what signals your body sends in the way of satisfaction or fullness. Try not to bring your "to do" list or invite other distractions into your meal. Just focus on your food and the process of eating. Mindful eating requires practice, so be patient with your efforts. Establishing new, mindful eating practices will steer you down a new path of eating appropriate amounts, and eating for the right reasons.
