As we go through our day to day lives, it’s easy to do almost everything without thinking it through. That’s why I focus on mindfulness in my wellness practice. When it comes to eating especially, an emphasis on mindfulness can impact the way we approach food.
Not only can eating mindfully help you eat healthier, but it can also help you enjoy food more. Eating slowly helps you fully experience all the elements a meal has to offer. Practicing mindfulness means taking the time to explore each of the following elements during mealtime:
Sight
Before you bite into your next piece of food, take a good hard look at it. When was the last time you really appreciated the texture of a vegetable or the color of a piece of fruit? Try to imagine all the rain and sunlight and work that went into bringing that piece of food to your plate.
Smell might seem obvious, but we often eat our food before our noses can truly enjoy it. Bring your food to your nose and without naming the scent, just try to experience it. Enjoy it and try to describe what you smell.
Physiological Reaction
Sometimes your mouth starts producing saliva before food even enters it. Pay attention to that mind-body connection. Take note of how your senses are responding in real-time to the food you’re gifting your body.
Notice how the food feels on your tongue, or even in your hands and on your fingertips. Don’t try to find words for the sensation. Just experience the physical sensation of it and let that guide your brain to an emotion, and sit with that for a moment before digging in.
And now… time to eat!