I discovered mindful eating several years ago. At first I had a hard time listening to my hunger cues. I didn’t trust my body and was so used to letting external cues such as schedule, lack of time, or my environment dictate the way I ate. I didn’t really understand what truly nourished me and used food as a way to medicate my emotions. After my digestive system shut down due to stress, I had to learn new ways of being.
I fall into patterns where I’m excited about mindful eating and then life gets in the way. Then I notice my digestion isn’t working as well. Remember that we are focusing on consistent patterns around food. There is no reason to beat ourselves up around occasional indulgences and treats since this is part of being human. Food at weddings and parties is a blessing and joy and shouldn’t be thought of in a negative way. Bring your curiosity to the table. Here are some of my latest musings on the gifts of mindful eating:
Too Much Dessert
Mindful eating has brought me the gift of awareness. Usually, I indulge in dessert or a treat once or twice a week. When I’m stressed out, that becomes an almost daily habit that I don’t even realize. But because of more awareness, I will literally feel I can’t have another bite of something sweet. It’s almost too much. My younger self would never have noticed something like that. Then I know it’s time to journal or deal with the stressors in my life causing me to reach for sugar.
Where are the Veggies?
Yesterday I had a protein heavy day (hamburgers, omelets, hash browns, French fries), which isn’t the norm but I was out and about and they were calling my name (you know what I mean). That evening, I literally felt the lack of vitamin enhancing vegetables that were missing. I had a green juice in my fridge and immediately felt better. If you are used to eating fruits and vegetables and suddenly stop, your body will crave the nutrients they can provide. I grew up eating very little vegetables, besides French fries, so if it’s possible for me, then I know it can work for you too.
Am I Even Hungry?
If you are used to cleaning your plate or were reminded as a child that there were hungry people everywhere, this can be challenging. I’ve learned to remind myself that I can always have more later. You have innate body wisdom in how much you need to eat. I’ve learned to ignore comments such as “Is that all you are having?” Lately my appetite comes in waves. Sometimes I’m hungry and other times, food isn’t that interesting. Your body is always giving cues about what it needs.
Is Trust Possible?
You may have a hard time trusting that you will know when to stop, especially if this has been a challenge in the past, but it’s quite the opposite. If you practice this skill over time, then this will be the best trusted guide you will ever have that reminds you of what you need in the present to moment to feel nourished and healthy-and that may mean the food you are craving is providing necessary calories or nutrients for the situation that you are facing. Trusting yourself can be the smartest move that you can make.
Just reminding yourself that portion sizes at restaurants and buffets are out of control will help you to remember that eating with your eyes isn’t a good way to health. Even if you are out of balance right now, you can always return to the center and learn to listen to body wisdom around food.
