Today, notice how you feel about your eating. Is it one of those days when you have so much to do you eat whatever is available? Without thinking and not even knowing what you are eating?
It’s just “time to eat” and you sit down, grab your food, a book or the paper, watch TV or check your messages, and go through the motions.
I can relate – but, too late, it’s such a guilty feeling.
I know I need to be fully present at mealtime. Fully present to plan and choose healthy food; to pause and take a few deep breaths to connect my body and mind and become more aware of what I am doing.
Even while eating alone, but more especially when the family is present, do we need to eat and live more mindfully – to be more present at mealtime. To eat slowly and be mindful of the taste, the sound, the appearance of what we are eating. Restoring our body with good food is a sacred act.
Mindless eating can lead toward food binges, sugar cravings, and overeating. Being more mindful of what we are eating while avoiding mindless eating is a worthy goal.
What about you? Is mindful eating something you are working on?
To your health and that of your family,
Lee Jackson
Advocate for Wholesome and Mindful Eating
http://www.healthykidseatingtips.com
May 31st, 2013 at 3:32 pm
I’ve been attending meditation sessions every week, where mindfulness is an important aspect of the lesson. The teachers have often suggested exactly the points you bring out in your article: “to be more present at mealtime. To eat slowly and be mindful of the taste…” Also to eat without the distraction of the TV or the newspaper. Thank you for reminding me about the importance of mindful eating.