Have you ever sat in front of the TV eating chips mindlessly?  You’re putting food into your mouth almost unconsciously, not even savoring the taste or texture of those chips, or enjoying the feelings and sensations that come with their flavor until… the bag is empty.

Often times we don’t even realize how much we missed out on those things until the food in front of us is gone.

Practicing mindful eating is one way to avoid the feeling of emptiness that comes when the bag in front of us is empty.  In eating mindfully, we pay attention to why we feel like eating (are we eating because of emotions or because of a legitimate physical need?), what we’re eating (is it healthy or not?), the look, smell, taste, and feel of what we’re eating, how what we’re eating makes us feel (happy, reminiscent, sad, etc.), our emotions during and after we’re through eating, where the food came from, who might have grown it, and how it was cooked.

Mindful eating is a form of meditation, and therefore, takes consistent practice to get right. However, the benefits of this practice are numerous and include:

1. Learning to eat when you’re actually hungry and stop when you’re full

2. Learning to really taste and enjoy the food you’re eating

3. Realizing that unhealthy food is not as tasty as you thought

4. Reducing social overeating with practice

5. Enjoying the experience of eating more

For more information about mindful eating and resources to get you started, visit: https://zenhabits.net/what-is-mindful-eating/