Keys to Healthy (Mindful) Eating

Consider a Food’s Purpose. Before you eat something, ask What is this doing for me? For example, spinach has vitamin A to help you with your vision while the good fats in salmon (Omega-3’s) protect against heart disease and reduce inflammation in our bodies. Food really does become part of your body.

Don’t Deny Your Desires. Write down a list of your favorite foods, and come up with an eating plan that includes them. Most people cannot stick to a plan that eliminates all enjoyment. Everything in moderation so you don’t feel restricted. Your new healthy eating plan is a lifelong plan…not a diet (the dirty four letter word).

Eat When You’re Hungry. So many women skip meals to save calories, but starving yourself is not healthy. Your body is programmed to seek energy (and store fat) when it’s starving. I recommend eating four times a day: three meals and one snack. Plan your healthy snack for when you might normally do mindless eating or have an energy lull (most people it is between 2-5pm).

Stay Attuned to Satiety Signals. Asses yourself throughout your meal, Are you satisfied? Practice leaving the table when you’re 80 percent full (yes, even if food is still on your plate). This way you leave satisfied and not stuffed and this shows that you control the food – it does not control you. Trust your body’s signals to tell you when you’ve had enough.

Value the Magnificence of Your Body. Your body is an amazing gift. Most of us only inhabit it for 80 or so years (if we’re lucky). So nurture it and treat it kindly. If you don’t have your health, what do you have? Some of us might have negative “tapes” running in our heads that need to be reprogrammed. Practice a Kindness Meditation (start with 5 minutes a day and work up to 10) – be compassionate towards yourself and repeat phrases of love such as May I be safe. May I be healthy. May I be happy. May I live with ease. Over time, as you absorb these message you will feel calmer and at ease with yourself and your life.