The first step to reaching our ideal weight is to find out WHY we eat when we’re not hungry. Being MINDFUL will do this. If we make the effort to discover why we eat when we do, we will learn more than how to shed a few pounds, we will learn about what is going on inside our heads and hearts. Next time you are headed to the refrigerator and realize that you are not hungry but really, really want to gorge on those last six brownies topped with dark chocolate chips (my fav), HALT and ask yourself, what is going on with me? Why do I want to eat?
Much of the time, not understanding what is bothering us leads to overeating. It could be stress at work, or the cute guy from the coffee shop who didn’t call, or perhaps your children’s rebellious behavior. Maybe the reason for eating is as simple as boredom, and reaching for a tasty treat offers an exciting solution (at least for our taste buds).
However, at best it is a temporary high to fill a void. Shortly after, the same feelings pop up, with the addition of a bloated pang of guilt. If you are hungry, eat, but make it special. Put it on a pretty dish, then really pay attention to what you are putting into your mouth. Eat without distractions around you — no cell phone, no TV, no computer, no books, no newspaper. MINDFUL eating is learning to use all your senses to get the most out of your food. Smell the food. Look at the colors of food. Think about where it came from. Think about how it feels on your lips and in your mouth. Savor the food’s taste, and chew deliberately.
Our lives are all super busy, but how about starting to PRACTICE mindful eating a little each day? Starting today, let’s listen to our bodies’ wisdom and explore, instead of ignoring what we really need and shoving away our not-so-good feelings. Sometimes, things may get blown out of proportion, but being in tuned with our eating habits and what is going on with our hearts helps both our well-being and our waistline. Instead, Journal it out, give yourself a manicure, ring an old friend, go for a walk, work on that neglected project, or pray, etc. Simply say: I am not going to let this baloney bother me! Most of all do not stuff it. When we face our troubling situations, we become stronger and satisfied.
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