Mindful eating

Developing mindful eating habits is a major step towards reaching the wellness balance that we all reach for. Here are a few ways you can develop your own mindful eating habits:

When you eat, eat. Sit down at a table and enjoy your food without watching TV or doing anything else. The Harvard Medical School encourages this focus on your meal as a way to help develop mindful eating habits because thoughtfulness about what you are eating comes from the, “conscious of the food’s consistency, flavor, tastes, and smells.” When you’re thoughtful about what you’re eating, you’re mindful and you’re much less likely to overeat.

Set yourself up for success with your wellness by choosing healthy food options over the ones that are going to satisfy your sweet tooth or salt craving. The foods that are pre-packaged, processed and quick to grab usually have additives that make you more likely to want to return to those same foods. By eating healthy, whole foods you are much more likely to continue to reach for healthy foods the next time you eat. Start developing mindful eating habits by deliberately selecting foods that are good for you when you do go to eat.

It’s the hardest thing in the world, but try to say no to the communal chips and guac. Get your own bowl of guac if you want, but try to avoid the communal foods because you can’t watch how much you eat. Usually, because you’re sharing foods, you and your friends all end up consuming way more than even two servings each! As difficult as it is, pass on the communal foods when you go out to eat and you will be much more likely to be mindful about your eating habits.

Psychologists at UC Berkeley suggest you should always, “aim to eat until you are satisfied, leaving yourself feeling neither stuffed nor starving.” Think about the food you’re consuming and how much is going to make you full. Stop when you’re satisfied – not when you hate yourself food is fuel, not something to consume when you are bored. Try to remember that so you can fuel your body well!

Finally, my most commonly given advice about food and training and overall wellness is to meal prep. It saves you money and it saves your diet. The only way to succeed wholly with your nutrition is to plan ahead – so what are you waiting for? Get to meal prepping