Embrace Mindful Eating Month this January

Did you know that Mindful Eating Month is celebrated the whole month of January?

Every New Year people make the resolution to “stick to their diet.” However, this diet resolution can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food and body. Put your best foot forward and start your New Year on a positive note by saying NO to dieting resolutions and saying YES to mindful eating.

What comes to mind when you think of mindful eating?

Mindfulness refers to being in the present moment. Through mindful intention, you learn to accept your feelings, thoughts, and emotions, without judgement, ultimately becoming aware of your body and mind.

Mindful eating means to truly be present and pay attention to the food you are eating, in that moment. This practice helps you stay attuned with your body’s hunger and satiety cues.

5 Steps to Mindful Eating

Eating mindfully takes a practice, patience, and time to be fully present and attentive to your food from the moment you purchase it to the time you consume it.

Here are 5 steps to help you in your mindful eating practice:

1. Set an intention: Before you begin to eat, take a moment to set an intention of how you will stay present during the meal. Will you be more aware and focused on each bite?

2. Bring all your senses to the meal: When enjoying your food, take a moment to pay attention to the food you are eating. Examine the colors, textures, mouthfeel, aroma, and even the sounds the food makes after each bite.

3. Pause Mid-Meal: Take the time to truly appreciate your meal and check-in with how your body is feeling. Are you getting full or are you hungry for more?

4. Slow Down:  Take small bites to fully taste your meal. Chew thoroughly to get a taste of every flavor and savor your food.

5. Listen to your body: Listen to your body for signals and cues to tell you when you are satiated.

4 Reasons to Embrace Mindful Eating

Starting this eating practice can be daunting, especially if you’re a busy person who doesn’t have time to think about their next meal or even their current one! However, through repetition and setting intentions, this way of eating will become second nature.

Here are 4 reasons to embrace mindful eating:

1. Mindful eating can help you restore a peaceful relationship with food, your body, and end mealtime battles.

2. Avoid feelings of deprivation that come with dieting and rejoice knowing you are doing what is best for your body.

3. You are free from all the rules and stress that come with dieting.

4. This experience is unique to you, unlike diets. There is no one size fits all, this mindful journey is all about you.

This January is the perfect time to embrace this new style of eating. Start slow and remember this journey is all about you!

Your Turn to Action: How will you practice to become a more mindful eater? Let me know in the comments below.

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