A big part of recovery is learning to make better choices – including how we handle stress and what we put into our bodies to nourish our minds and bodies. This is where mindful eating can come into play.
Eating slowly and mindfully has been found to boost your mental health. Mindful eating means chewing slowly and focusing your attention on your feelings and senses as you eat.
Learning to eat mindfully will teach you how to slow down and enjoy your food, to stop when you’re full and to decipher real hunger from cravings due to stress.
Here are a few more benefits:
- You’ll increase your awareness of healthy versus unhealthy food choices.
- You’ll increase your enjoyment of food and the pleasure of eating, rather than taking your meals for granted.
- You’ll strengthen your muscle of presence, learning to stay in the moment
Mindfulness Eating Exercise
Try this mindful eating exercise at your next meal:
- Before you dig in, sit in a comfortable position and bring yourself in the moment by taking a few breaths.
- Take a minute to pause and think about where the food came from, where it grew and who helped it get to your plate.
- Look at the colors, shapes and details and smell the aroma of what you’re about to eat.
- With each bite, chew slowly and focus on the taste and texture in your mouth.
- Notice the impulse you might have to eat fast or grab for the next bite.
- Pay attention to any cues that your body is full or getting full.
- Either verbally or internally, give thanks for your meal and the nutrients that help strengthen your mind and body.
Healthy Eating at Rising Roads Recovery
We are staffed to support all of our clients in the exploration of themselves and their relationship to food. We are lucky to have a registered dietician as well as women who are in recovery from food related issues that can help you find a path to healthy eating. To learn more about our nutritional guidance and cooking classes, call today: 866-746-1558.
