Mindful eating encourages selfawareness from "summary" of The Mindful Diet by Ruth Wolever PhD,Beth Reardon MS,RD,LDN,Tania Hannan
Mindful eating is about paying attention to what we eat, how we eat, and why we eat. It encourages us to slow down, tune in to our body's signals, and be present in the moment. By practicing mindfulness during meals, we can cultivate self-awareness in our eating habits. When we eat mindfully, we become more attuned to our hunger and fullness cues. We start to notice the subtle signals our body sends us, indicating when we are satisfied and when we have had enough. This heightened awareness allows us to eat according to our body's needs, rather than mindlessly consuming food out of habit or emotion. Self-awareness in eating also involves recognizing our triggers and patterns around food. By being present and mindful, we can observe our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to eating. This awareness enables us to make conscious choices about our food intake and address any emotional issues that may be driving our eating habits. Furthermore, mindful eating helps us to appreciate the sensory experience of food. We become more aware of the flavors, textures, and smells of our meals, enhancing our enjoyment and satisfaction. This sensory awareness can lead to a deeper connection with our food and a greater sense of fulfillment from our meals.- We can develop a healthier relationship with food and our bodies. We can break free from automatic eating patterns and make more conscious choices that support our well-being. Ultimately, mindfulness in eating can lead to greater balance, satisfaction, and nourishment in our lives.