AM I HUNGRY? MINDFUL EATING...

During these hard times in Texas, power outages and no running water, we all learned a lot of things about ourselves and life in general.

Let me confess something to you: almost the whole week, I was indulging myself (and my family) in comfort “feel-good” food. I made savory pastries, candies, baked cookies, cakes, and more!

Surely, my husband and I gained a few pounds during this winter storm.

But you know what?

I don’t feel bad about it. I enjoyed every single bite.

We all need comfort. There's no reason to blame yourself, feel ashamed or concerned. We are all just humans.

Now when the storm is over and we’re almost back to ‘normal’, I think it’s the right time to talk about MINDFUL EATING.

You know mindfulness is generally about focusing your attention on the present moment, so it makes sense that it might help you appreciate and enjoy the food on your plate.

Mindful eating is not a diet.

Mindful eating is about gaining awareness of our eating experiences and building a better relationship with food.

It involves observing how the food makes you feel and what signals your body sends about taste, pleasure, and fullness.

Most diets tend to focus on different rules of eating : what to eat, how much to eat, and what not to eat. They create a restrictive, controlling relationship with food.

Mindful eating encourages people to appreciate food rather than restricting it and starving, to trust in their own decisions rather than being restricted by rules.

How to practice MINDFUL EATING?

Dr. Michelle May (CSP, a physician, mindful eating speaker) suggests that you ask yourself first: Am I hungry?

Dr. Carolyn Dunn, a dietician, and weight loss expert gives us some tips for mindful eating:

-Make eating an exclusive event rather than multitasking.

-Check your stress level before eating, as you might be turning to food even when you’re not really hungry.

-Acknowledge the gift of food and the effort that went into growing and preparing it, and appreciate your meal.

E-at slowly, put your fork down between bites, chew your food well, and make each meal last at least 20 minutes.

-Notice the taste, texture, shape, and smell of your food. Savor it.

-Be mindful of the portions to ensure you are enjoying quality, not quantity.

-Be mindful of how hungry you are to make sure you’re only eating when you’re hungry.

-Eat before you get too hungry or you might make impulsive choices.

-Be mindful of your protein

-Be mindful of your calorie budget to make sure you are eating the right amount to maintain a healthy weight.

-Determine if the food is worth the calories, and splurge on just a few bites when it is appropriate to do so.

-Take one bite when it comes to special foods or desserts so you don’t feel like you’re missing out, but also don’t feel guilty for eating too much

I know it’s not easy. And honestly, I’m not there yet. It seems unrealistic to be mindful for every bite or even for every meal we eat. Sometimes, you’re forced to eat on the go or just don’t have enough time to eat mindfully.

But I think it’s a great exercise: every effort counts.

The more you can do to slow down, focus solely on the process of eating, and listen to your body, the more you enjoy your food, the greater control you’ll have over your eating habits, THE BETTER YOU WILL FEEL ABOUT YOURSELF!!!