In an age of overstimulation, it can be easy to confuse hunger cues with things like thirst or boredom. Its important to pay attention to your body. You should only eat when youre truly hungry, not when youre bored or because the clock tells you its time.
Try finding other ways to distract yourself when you feel boredom creeping in, or try drinking a tall glass of water. Sometimes what you may think of as hunger is actually your body telling you its dehydrated.
You also shouldnt be dictated by the clock. Unless of course, its the clock in your body telling you to eat. As an adult, there is no one forcing you to eat at certain times of the day. Pay attention to what true hunger feels like and schedule your meal times around what works for you.
Another way to be more mindful of your bodys cues is to eat more slowly. Take time to enjoy your food with no distractions, savor the different flavors and textures, and chew every bite thoroughly.
Pay attention to what your body tells you as you do this. Often you will find you consume less food overall, simply by being mindful of what youre putting in your mouth and how it makes you feel.
Eating too quickly without taking time to enjoy each bite or without even noticing what youre putting in your mouth is the total opposite of mindful eating.
Sometimes it is helpful to change your mindset a little and try to view food as fuel. You wouldnt put subpar fuel into your car, would you? Probably not. Your body needs good fuel to run optimally, too. So choose foods that help you function and feel your best, that give you energy and lift your mood.
Generally, organic foods, natural living foods that are bright with deep colors, foods that are considered dense with nutrients, are all foods that can contribute to helping you feel amazing.
Its common for people today to over-eat, especially in the current era of super-sized portions. However, you are in control of what you choose to put in your mouth and you get to decide for yourself when to stop eating.
If you are paying attention to your bodys cues, it will alert you when you are getting full. Listen to what those cues are telling you and stop eating. Put the fork down and step away from the table.
If you choose to ignore those cues, not only are you training yourself not to hear them, you are almost guaranteed to be headed for feelings of uncomfortable bloating.
Another important aspect of getting healthy by listening to your body is to make sure your body is receiving all essential vitamins and nutrients. Whether you have dietary restrictions or not, it is important to be mindful of the nutritional value of your food choices.
This doesnt mean you have to cut out the foods you love, it simply means to place extra emphasis on adding superfoods or variety into your meal prep routine. Ultimately, you are in charge of your body, not the other way around. You get to choose what you fuel it with! By incorporating more healthy items, you are likely to feel more energized and clear-headed (as opposed to the sluggish side effects of processed food.)
There are many fun recipes which will make eating a balanced and nutritional diet both healthy and fun. We cant wait to see what you come up with!
