If you’re reading this, you’re probably a culprit of scarfing down lunch during passing periods or sneaking to-go food into lecture classes (no, swallowing your Thai noodles whole to minimize chewing noise does not work, plus the smell probably already gave you away). Here’s why it’s time to stop racing the clock, take a seat, and enjoy the food in front of you.
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Whether it be kale chips or a wonut, mindful eating is less about what you eat and more about how you eat it. Rooted in Buddhist teachings, and practiced by a large range of people, from monks to Google employees, getting zen with your meal encourages taking the time to be present, be positive and be grateful for the goodness of the food.
Eating mindfully is said to significantly lower stress and help you be more in tune with your body’s cues- nutrient and portion wise. Eat well for your body and your mind. Once this week, try out being mindful about your meal; eat intuitively, intelligently and deliciously.
According to Jenni Gover, here are 5 easy ways to eat mindfully:
Eat Slowly
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Savor every last bite of that burrito, it’s not a race! Chewing is a lost concept among our generation, but avoiding plowing through your food can help you absorb more of its nutrients and give your digestive tract a break. Plus you might actually taste that extra guac you paid good money for.
Enjoy the Silence
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Taking a few minutes to be still and silent seems easy enough, but you’d be surprised how long people often go without doing so. During your next meal, ditch the chatter and enjoy the beautiful sound of your fork diving into the perfect bite of the food you fancy most.
Turn Off Your Phone
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Whether it be documented by snapchat story or raved about on insta, the constant whirlwind of food media makes it easy to forget what food is for; nourishment. Try silencing your phone while you eat.
Appreciate the Flavor
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Sit down, enjoy, taste, appreciate. Food makes our world go ’round and it deserves some love. Use all five senses when you eat, get on Ratatouille’s level and maybe you’ll see fireworks too.
Pay Attention to What You’re Eating
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Know your food. Pro mindful eaters practice envisioning their food’s journey from farm to fork to be more aware of what they’re consuming. While it’s hard to always know the process in which your food was grown, try being more aware of the ingredients on your plate to better appreciate its deliciousness.
Check out more food for thought here: