Do you ever catch yourself rushing through dinner, treating it as just another task on your checklist? There’s a chance you might miss out on savoring every delightful flavor. As a chef who’s spent years delving into the world of culinary arts, I’ve learned that mindful eating goes beyond taste – it’s about embracing the connection between body, mind, and food.
Retirement has only deepened my appreciation for the subtle nuances of each bite, highlighting the importance of savoring every moment at the table and being conscious of what nourishes our bodies
In this article, I’ll share with you what mindful eating is all about and give you 4 simple practices to begin your mindful eating journey.
So, what is mindful eating ?
- Mindful eating involves engaging all your physical and emotional senses; learning about and relishing the food choices you make.
- It’s all about being present in the moment while eating or drinking. By savoring each bite, enjoying the flavors and actually getting to taste the cuisine.
- It’s not a matter of eating less, but more of eating correctly.
Here are 4 Ways to practice mindful eating :
1. Use all your senses:
Pay attention to the food’s sounds, colors, aromas, tastes and textures. As well as how you feel while eating. I recommend pausing between every mouthful to activate your senses.
3. Slow it down:
Switch your habit of fast eating to a slower pace , you can chew every bite 25 times and set your spoon or fork down between bites.
3. Give it your undivided attention
Reduce your distractions by single tasking. This is one of my favorite ways to practice mindful eating as it allows me to listen to my body’s signals towards the food it needs.
4. Make your kitchen mindful friendly
Turn your kitchen into an organized space. You can check pinterest for inspiration on how to keep your cabinets user friendly. Having a tidy kitchen will encourage you to eat healthy and nourish gatherings.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of our discussion, let’s marvel at the endless benefits of mindful eating, and realize the importance of savoring each bite and each meal of our day. Eating mindfully will allow you to use all your senses and truly appreciate what you eat.
I always encourage the participants in my cooking class to practice mindful eating to get the best possible outcome and enjoy every dish while it lasts.
