Pay attention to hunger and fullness signals from "summary" of The Mindful Diet by Ruth Wolever PhD,Beth Reardon MS,RD,LDN,Tania Hannan
When it comes to eating mindfully, one of the key concepts to focus on is tuning in to your body's hunger and fullness signals. Your body is constantly communicating with you, letting you know when it's time to eat and when it's time to stop. By paying attention to these signals, you can develop a healthier relationship with food and learn to eat in a way that nourishes your body and satisfies your hunger.
Hunger signals can vary from person to person, but common signs include a growling stomach, low energy, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. When you start to feel these signs, it's a cue that your body needs fuel. This is the time to eat mindfully, choosing foods that will nourish you and give you the energy you need to function at your best.
On the other hand, it's important to also pay attention to your fullness signals. This can be more challenging for some people, as it's easy to override these signals and keep eating past the point of fullness. However, by tuning in to how your body feels as you eat, you can start to recognize when you're satisfied and no longer hungry. This is the signal to stop eating, even if there is food left on your plate.
By being mindful of your hunger and fullness signals, you can begin to eat in a way that supports your body's needs and prevents overeating. This practice can help you develop a healthier relationship with food, one that is based on listening to your body and giving it what it truly needs. So next time you sit down to eat, take a moment to check in with your body and see where you fall on the hunger-fullness spectrum. Your body will thank you for it.
