Has this ever happened to you?
You bake a pan of yummy chocolate brownies and set them on the counter to cool. Every time you walk into the kitchen (and you seem to find all kinds of excuses to walk in the kitchen) you take “just a little slice” of the brownies, and go on your way. (Little slices don’t really count, do they)?
Later on you’re in the kitchen and notice that the brownies are half gone! What?! Who else was in here eating these! Oh… but no one else has been around. Oops. You couldn’t really have eaten all of that, could you? Oh boy…
This is a good example of Mindless Eating. The worst part of it is that you never really enjoyed the brownies all that much—which is why you kept taking “just a little” more. So get ready!
Here comes the holidays, with all kinds of decadent sweets everywhere you go. If you grab a few cookies here, and some fudge there, and a piece of pumpkin pie, and a piece of pecan pie…well you can see where this is going. Pretty soon your stomach is uncomfortably full, your pants are way too tight, and you really didn’t even have all that much fun.
Mindful Eating
Ok, so let’s try this.
Next time you decide to eat some dessert that’s calling your name, cut a slice of it. Put it on a plate (a pretty plate is even better). Go sit down in a comfortable spot, away from the television and other distractions. Take a couple of deep, slow breaths so that you’re present, and your mind isn’t off doing something else.
Take a minute to appreciate how it looks on your plate and be thankful for it. Don’t feel guilty about eating it!
This is a treat you’re giving yourself and you’re going to allow yourself to thoroughly enjoy it. Eat slowly, savoring every bite. If you’re tempted to eat it fast, put down your fork for a minute between bites. Notice the texture, the aroma, the temperature, and the taste. Sound enjoyable? It should be!
You may notice that you feel satisfied after eating only part of it. (C’mon, it could happen)! If you really take the time to taste and enjoy your food, you won’t feel compelled to overeat. Part of the reason we overeat is because we eat quickly and don’t pay attention to what we’re eating.
We have to let our brain get a chance to register the fact that we’ve actually taken in food. Like every feeling we experience, feeling satiated and full first comes from our brain and then is communicated to our body. Are you game to give it a try? What do you have to lose… other than maybe a few pounds?
