Mindful Eating

If you've ever wondered why you put on weight when you've been following a healthy diet, the culprit could be mindless eating. Most of us have done it at some point or another. Eating your meal whilst watching TV or working on the computer are common practice, yet it is one of the worst habits for your health and your waistline as the tendency to overeat is high. Before you know it, your favourite jeans don't fit and you're left feeling bloated and regretful. The idea is that if you are not 'present' and aware of what you're putting into your body, you'll eat substantially more than what your body really needs.

The ethos of mindful eating isn't as complicated as it sounds. Essentially, mindful eating is about getting organized, being calm, experiencing and savouring your food, and acknowledging and appreciating your surroundings as you do so.

The mantra of mindfulness is: Focus on one thing at a time.

The Body Doctor (Dr Naras Lapsys, an accredited dietician) suggests that mindful eating is a simple yet very effective technique to control your weight and your health as a result.

Dr Lapsys explains that learning to think before you select your food is key. Becoming more aware of what you eat and asking yourself the question of why are you eating, how much are you eating, how fast are you eating...?

Mindfulness is a skill that can be applied to many areas of living. It is about really taking control of your mind and using it to its full capacity. Mindful eating does need practice. Eat until you are satisfied, tune in to your body and really hear what your body is telling you. Appreciate the look, colour, aroma, texture and flavour of your food. If your attention wanders, gently bring your awareness back to your food and to the act of eating.

Dr Naras Lapsys has some practical tips to assist with mindful eating.

Keep a food diary. Plan your meals, write a shopping list and purchase only what is on the list. Rotate your menu to avoid boredom and to maintain a variety of foods within your diet. Make meal time a special event. Turn off the TV, set the table, light a candle, take deep breaths and be in the moment. Ask yourself if you are really hungry. Are you eating out of stress? Would a walk in the park suffice? Perhaps you really need a glass of water instead? If you crave something sweet, would a piece of fruit suffice? If you really feel like some chocolate, then have it. Buy the best quality you can, have a small amount and really enjoy every piece. Create specific 'eating' areas. Never eat in your bedroom, in the car, at your desk, in front of the TV or in a movie theatre. Become aware of triggers. If you reach for chips when you're stressed, think about what is really bothering you and get to the source.Practise some regular 'time out' for yourself. Go for a walk, do yoga or meditate to create some thinking time just for you.