The PSJ Healthstyle Challenge March 14, 2015

Hi Everyone!

As we are continuing to refine our eating habits, 

here's a reminder to think about the vast variety of foods we 

can eat and enjoy! 

Mindfull Eating

Mindful eating focuses on tuning in to one’s body to recognize basic hunger signals and then eating with increased awareness — paying attention to every bite of food. You have to be prepared to eat when you need to, to respond to your body’s signs.

Mindful eating is eating with intention and attention. Instead of thinking about “being good” or adhering to a diet, you should be thinking about why, when, what, and how you eat. 

Using mindful eating techniques you may express intention as “I want to feel well,” “I want to be healthy,” or even “I want to enjoy the food at this party.” Mindful eaters pay attention to the eating experience by being in the present moment and noticing how good the food tastes and being aware that as you eat, the enjoyment decreases as you get used to the flavors and become sated. That’s your cue to stop eating. By practicing mindful eating, all of a sudden you get this little voice in your head that says ‘You can stop’ or ‘You’ve had enough.’”

Paying more attention to when, why, how, and what you eat sounds easy. But many things can influence your choices and your awareness. Among the most common distractions to avoid are eating while driving, eating while watching television, and focusing on cleaning your plate rather than on the food itself. Such habits not only distract people from what they’re eating, but also from the simple pleasure of eating.

Using mindful eating makes the food you eat much more satisfying. People who are keenly aware of what and how they are eating are more likely to enjoy flavors and textures and the ambience of the eating experience, and they may also enjoy their lives more fully. If you eat too much, you feel lethargic and regretful; if you eat the right amount, you feel energetic, content, and ready for your next activity.