Are You A Mindful Eater? The Answer May Hold The Key To Your Weight Loss

You head for the fridge to reach for a snack. Before you know it you have eaten your way to a food coma. Why mindful eating matters. 

In today’s increasingly busy life, food has become much more than a means of survival. It has become a stress reliever, an activity carried out on the run, a way to pass time and a source of many avoidable health issues such as obesity and diabetes among others. Why? Because put simply, we are overeating. 

So before jumping into that next fad diet, it’s time to evaluate our environment and implement some simple steps for mindful eating.

Know your moods

One should always cook and eat when in a good mood. Next time you reach for a quick fix or hearty snack, consider some simple questions such as am I really hungry or am I feeling sad, stressed or anxious?

By knowing your moods, you are able to address your stress in a more productive way such as going for a quick walk or taking a minute to yourself and having a glass of water. Meditation or yoga are perfect for learning how to clear your mind and then practice those techniques during the day when you feel your mood changing.

Stop eating in a hurry

Whether on a work break or else, stop and taste your food. Savour each bite, think about the flavours you are experiencing and feel the texture of your food. These simple steps will get you back into the habit of eating slower.

In today's increasingly busy life, our quick lunches mean our brains can't keep up with our hunger signals and it's easy to overeat.

Ask yourself are you hungry or thirsty?

Drinking at least 2L of water a day (approximately 8 glasses) will keep those cravings at bay. Many of us mistake hunger for thirst and are more likely to reach for a snack than for a glass of water.

Always keep a filled water bottle handy, whether it's on your desk or by your side at work and on your kitchen counter at home.