Mindful Eating - What is it and Why is it Important?

Many of us have heard about mindfulness and it’s something we can all do in our day to day lives. Mindfulness is the practice of paying full attention to the present moment, whilst noticing your thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations without judgement. 

Mindful eating involves paying attention to the present moment and being fully aware of what you're eating, why you're eating it, and how it affects your body and mind. It encourages us to tune into our bodies and senses, and to approach eating with a non-judgmental, curious attitude.
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We often find ourselves gobbling down food whilst we’re sending important e-mails or getting the kids ready for school. Or we’re just so hungry, we inhale our food and find ourselves over-full and lethargic. 

Mindful eating can involve slowing down your eating pace, savouring each bite, and really noticing the textures, flavours, and smells of your food. It also involves being aware of your hunger and fullness cues, and stopping when you're satisfied rather than when your plate is empty.

There are lots of benefits to your mental and physical wellbeing when you practice mindful eating. It can help you develop a healthier relationship with food, reduce overeating and improve digestion. It can also promote greater enjoyment and satisfaction with food, and act as a daily mindfulness exercise to connect to the present moment and reduce anxiety. 

Mindful eating is a valuable practice that can help us cultivate a more positive and nourishing relationship with food and our bodies, as well as using it as a valuable part of our day to be fully present. 
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Next time you sit down to have a meal, take a moment to pause, breathe, and really appreciate every mouthful.  

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Kara Vermaak 
​Provisional Psychologist