Does “just eat” mean “eat more” food? Nooooo, just really pay attention to eating when you eat! Sometimes in our multi-task driven world…it’s hard to do just one thing at a time.
Growing up, I used to love reading the cereal box, while slurping down my morning cereal. And when I was a bit older, eating and watching TV went hand in hand. During some shows, like “Charlies Angels,” I’d really inhale food, especially during the exciting parts.
As a result, I’d finish my bowl of popcorn without realizing I’d even had one kernel. And of course, wanting (and eating) more — all while wondering why my jeans kept getting tighter.
Yeesh! No fun!
Old Dog…New Mindful Tricks
So how do you become a mindful eater? Well, step one is to learn to savor your food.
One fairly known exercise, “the raisin meditation,” involves taking 5 minutes to eat a raisin. As you’re eating, remind yourself to slow down and really taste the raisin.
How might you apply the concept of mindful eating to the real world — while simultaneously doing another activity.
Just Eat/Just Watch
First, purposefully prepare a reasonable* portion of a snack on a plate or in a bowl. (No snacking during the doling out process either!)
Then sit and enjoy . . . really enjoy.
Take a breath in between bites of food . . .
And slow down.
And chew.
And savor.
And breathe.
And set aside the food to read or watch or (fill-in-the-blank) a bit.
And, mindfully, repeat.
It’s win/win because I get to savor my food, AND savor my book or TV program — and because I’ve paid attention while doing two things I enjoy, it’s a gratifying experience, overall.
Just for fun, take a deep breath, take your time (even when multi-tasking), and savor and enjoy whatever you’re doing or eating…even it’s dessert first or anytime.
You are never too old to mindfully enjoy eating or anything. . .
Mare
