Studies tell us that stress can be reduced with the help of mindful eating. It can also improve your gut and boost self-esteem. Can you do mindful eating while losing weight? Visit Specialty Care Clinics to know more about weight loss solutions. Call us immediately and book an appointment with our experienced healthcare professionals.
Mindful eating is a rising practice. It means being mentally focused during your meal and activating all 5 senses while eating. Listen to the crunchy sound of apples. Enjoying the deep taste of sandwich flavour. The sensation of salivating when you take a bite of chocolate. We often eat on the go or have a quick lunch while at work. We are usually very disconnected from the experience of eating and being out of touch with our bodily sensations. When you start eating mindfully, you may even aim to become healthier and lose weight. But is that the opposite of mindful eating? Let’s understand what mindful eating is, the benefits of mindful eating and whether can you practice it while losing weight.
WHAT IS MINDFUL EATING?
The concept of mindfulness was first found in Zen Buddhism. Mindfulness is defined as “paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” Applying this to food means being intentionally present in your dining experience without judgment. It takes practice to embrace the spirit of mindful eating, and practising mindful eating may require reflecting on your own dietary rules and deep-seated beliefs about nutrition. Many of us grew up with strict dietary rules, which are only deepened by the polarizing way food is discussed in our society. We classify food as “good” or “bad.” It can be difficult to approach food with an open mind if you’ve been conditioned to do so. However, this can greatly improve your relationship with food.
BENEFITS OF MINDFUL EATING
Mindful eating has different benefits for physical and mental health. Since stress and gut health are closely related, mindful eating can help improve digestive health, as noted in a 2019 review in Integrative Medicine. Choosing foods that feel good for you, rather than relying on rules and restrictions, can also boost your self-confidence. In short, it can help you grow in connection with your body. Mindful eating also shows effectiveness in treating eating disorders, chronic dieters, and binge eating, but more research is needed to clarify the existing evidence.
MINDFUL EATING AND WEIGHT LOSS
Essentially, mindful eating is not about weight loss. It’s about the current experience, not the result. It’s an opportunity to approach weight with an open mind.
Remember why you thought becoming thin was better? Think about what you want to gain from weight loss. Is it confidence? health? desirability? All of this can be addressed without having to focus on weight. Research, including the 2018 review at SAGE Open, shows that focusing on health-promoting behaviours rather than weight helps improve health outcomes independently of weight changes. The Health at Every Size approach has also been shown to improve psychological markers of health, including self-esteem, depression, and body image.
Mindful eating has the quality to improve physical and mental health, including your relationship with food. Remember to have a non-judgemental spirit towards your food choices and weight. When you can make peace with food and your body in this manner, you can reduce daily stress and promote better self-esteem.