8 Steps of Mindful Eating (Part 2)

Welcome back! If you haven't read Part 1 of this Mindful Eating series, check it out here. Mindful Eating is a practice of slowing down, tuning into your body's needs, and nourishing yourself with compassion.

Part 1 of this Mindful Eating series sets the stage for you to make healthier choices and shift unhealthy patterns, such as getting rid of junk food in your house, telling your coworkers you're just not having the break room doughnuts anymore, and not multitasking while you eat. Part 1 also emphasizes the power of your language and how you talk to yourself about your eating habits.

In this next installment we explore mindfulness in your relationship to your body and how you fuel it, along with the underlying emotions behind our cravings.

Here are the next 2 Steps of Mindful Eating:

5: Ask your body. If you’re on the verge of eating in an unhealthy way, just take a second to ask inwardly, “How do you feel about my eating this?” Then feel and listen for the response. Yes, I know it may feel strange to ask your body, especially out loud! However the more you do it the more body conscious you become... ...maybe you won’t perceive anything at first, but maybe you’ll feel a very clear, “No thanks” or “I’m good” or “Sure!” or “ For God's sake, please don’t.” Maybe you haven’t always loved the way your body has looked and felt and performed for you, but consider honoring it and listening to it... ...keep on practicing asking your body this...make it a habit...and eventually you will get the answers you need.

6: Give all your attention to the act of eating. It would be outstanding if we could all give our full attention to the act of eating throughout every meal. When we eat mindlessly, not only are we prone to consuming too much or eating something that’s not good for us, it also means we’re missing out on fully enjoying the food. We miss out on the beautiful, sacred, self-loving act of feeding ourselves and connecting to the fruitful earth that provided it. It’s especially useful to give your full attention to the act when you’re knowingly eating in a way that’s not ideal for you.

Let’s say you decide to have some chocolate mousse. You know it’s not a health food, but it’s going to be incredibly delicious, and sometimes that’s a worthwhile tradeoff, because savoring deliciousness has some value too. This only makes sense, of course, if you’re going to be fully present for the deliciousness experience. Enjoy the hell out of it. Don’t speak. Don’t listen to anything but your own chewing and moaning. Don’t go fast. ENJOY! After all, you don't succeed by guilting, shaming, or limiting yourself.