How mindful eating can help you lose weight

Like any woman, I’m always looking for ways to lose weight and get healthier, without the trouble of going on a diet or joining a gym. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with these practices but I just don’t have the inclination to limit myself to eating only certain foods. Nor do I have the time to go to the gym after work. I’d rather look for habits that I’m sure will help me reach my health and fitness goals without breaking the bank or forcing me to do things that don’t come naturally to me.

One habit that I’m trying to embrace is mindful eating. This basically refers to being more aware of what you eat, how you eat and what your hunger pangs really mean.

Your attitude towards food will have a great impact your weight and overall health. Certain habits are bound to make you put on weight rendering your efforts at working out useless. By watching what you eat and how you eat it, you’re bound to have a healthier relationship with food and consequently reach your goal weight.

How to practice mindful eating

1. Avoid distractions during mealtimes

Distractions include watching television, using your phone or reading a book. These habits make it harder for you to realise when you’re full resulting in overeating.

2. Pay attention to what and how you eat

First and foremost, ensure your meals are healthy. When you sit down to eat, make a conscious effort to recognise the different flavours and textures of your food. Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.

3. Notice when you feel full

You will get certain cues that tell you you’ve had enough. When you’re mindful about your meal, you will notice these cues in good time and stop eating.

4. Why are you eating?

Before you bite into that snack, ask yourself, ‘Why am I eating this?’ Is it because you’re truly hungry or are you eating in response to something else like the sight or smell of food? When you get into the habit of doing this, you will reduce the instances of eating for the sake of eating, eat less and consequently lose weight.

5. How does the food make you feel?

A large part of food disorders is the emotion attached to food. Does eating make you feel happy or sad? It’s important to deal with how food makes you feel since this is often a sign of an underlying problem.  

It takes time to pick up these habits but once you do, your eating habits will improve and you will see better results in your health and fitness journey.