Mindful eating means simply eating or drinking while being aware of each bite or sip. Thich Nhat Hanh
We need to eat to live. Enjoying good food is one of the shared basic instincts of all people. Sharing good food with family and friends is one of the most common ways of bonding and socializing with others.
Mindful eating is a practice that involves paying full attention to the experience of eating and being present in the moment. It is about cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations related to eating. The concept of mindful eating originates from the Buddhist tradition of mindfulness and has been incorporated into various approaches to promote a healthier relationship with food.
The core principle of mindful eating is to bring conscious awareness to the entire process of eating, including the selection, preparation, and consumption of food. It involves slowing down and savouring each bite, engaging all the senses, and being fully present without distractions.
There are many aspects of mindful eating. Below are some of the key aspects
Building an awareness of hunger and fullness. Being attentive to your body’s hunger and fullness.
Savouring your food, the taste, the texture and the aroma each time you take a bite.
Slowing down, chewing thoroughly, appreciating the flavours.
Recognizing emotional triggers and understanding the link between emotions and eating habits.
In 2022, over 2.5 billion adults or 43% of the global population were overweight (WHO). The main culprits are lack of exercise and over-eating. People who are overweight suffer from health concerns, such as high blood pressure, joint pains, and shorten life expectancy.
Do you eat your food in front of the TV? Do you eat your food quickly so you can get back to something more important? Do you eat your food without really tasting, chewing or savouring the texture? When you are stressed do you reach out for comfort foods?
If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, join our Looking Better, Feeling Better Retreat and learn simple techniques to help you eat more mindfully. You can eat less without feeling deprived. You can understand what “hungry” and “full” feel like. You may be surprised with the consequences. Eating mindfully is a ninja move – a small change can yield big results. Just click the link below.