In the midst of our fast-paced, whirlwind lives, many of us can so easily fall into the pattern of racing through meals or eating while distracted. Mulling over thoughts of work, social interactions, or personal problems, we shovel bite after bite into our mouths with little attention to the flavors, textures, and aromas dancing from our plates. Mindful eating—a refreshing and transformative approach to our often adversarial relationship with food—recognizes that our presence is the most valuable gift we can give in these meals, withdrawing the long-lost but crucial ingredient of attention that can foster our development of a deeper understanding of the body’s hunger and fullness cues. Through this greater awareness, we may also consume food more moderately and responsibly, finding ourselves craving less, and furthermore, enjoying a delicious meal with a deep-seated gratitude for each succulent bite.
Mindful Eating: Exploring its Principles, Benefits & How to Begin
Mindful eating is not a new diet, but instead a practice with roots in the ancient art of mindfulness, a centuries-old tradition of Buddhist teachings. It considers food preparation, serving, and consumption an equally demanding and valuable practice—one that fuses the senses, emotions, and thoughts and, therefore, calls for the most profound expressions of gratitude and reverence. By becoming mindful eaters, we can not only develop healthier people; we may find the increase of our emotional and physical well-being, and an overall improvement in our harmonious relationship with food.