Written by: Morgaan Eastes, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Have you ever heard the term ‘mindfulness’? Don’t worry; I’m not going to go all “hippie” on you. Stay with me, and allow me to explain the practice of mindfulness briefly. Mindfulness maintains a constant, observational, non-judgmental perspective, both internally and externally, of the events that are taking place. This means to be aware of your environment at all times; your environment is not only the stuff going on around you but also the stuff going on inside you- thoughts, feelings, bodily processes, etc. Sooooo…. What does this have to do with my health? Great question!
In today’s world, it seems like we have traded the process of cooking for processed cooking. Eating has become a matter of convenience rather than one of nutrition and longevity. True, this way of eating can be quite tasty, to what purpose does it ultimately serve? Diet and lifestyle are the single most prominent components in the truest pandemic; chronic disease.
Food is meant to be a wholly sensual experience. The sights and smells; the way food feels as you slice and dice it, its texture in your mouth, the sounds of sizzling, even the ding of your oven timer all contribute to the process of digestion. Which begins as soon as you see food that you intend to put in your body, your brain starts sending signals to release enzymes in your salivary glands.
I want to offer you a tip, the 1 thing you can do that will have a lasting impact on your health, without changing what you eat, intrigued?
Out with it already!
Introducing a technique, I like to call ‘Mindful Eating.’ What is it, you ask? Mindful eating is merely choosing to be present with your food while you eat it, like a meditation for eating.
Begin this eating meditation by entering into a state of gratitude for the meal you are about to eat, even if it comes from the microwave. In my household, we like to begin by thanking Spirit for creating the Earth, we thank the Earth for protecting and helping our food grow, we thank the food for the nourishment it will provide to our body, we thank the farmer for growing, and lastly the cook for cooking. We allow space for any additional gratitudes or thoughts. The process of offering gratitude takes less than 2 minutes to complete. When we finish, we feel relaxed and ready to receive.
The key here is relaxation. When we eat in a stressed state, our body takes virtually 100% of the nutrients absorbed and stores them as fat because digestion shuts off when we are stressed. As we eat, we often pause, allowing our senses to be fully engaged in this meal, at this moment.
Here’s what my clients are saying:
Eating mindfully has helped me -
Sense intuitively when I am full
Gain way more satisfaction from eating
Develop a healthier relationship with food
See food as medicine
Discover new tastes and textures
Improve digestion (less gas/bloating)
Regulate my bowel movements
Discover my food sensitivities
Create healthier habits all around that leave me feeling enlivened
If you answer ‘YES’ to any of the following, then mindful eating is right for you to try:
● Do you get bloated after eating?
● Do you scoff down your food like there is no tomorrow?
● Do you eat just to feel full while ignoring the taste?
● Do you eat to numb emotional pain?
● Do you have a desire to learn more about healthier lifestyle habits?
● Do you gain weight easily?
● Do you crave sugar or starchy foods?
● Do you have difficulty focusing or foggy brain?
● Do you feel lethargic after eating?
● Do you suffer from common allergens or hay fever?
● Do you feel addicted to eating foods that aren’t healthy, but you can’t stop?
● Have you been struggling to lose that last 10 lbs, and no amount of diet or exercise seems to be working?
Need help learning how to eat mindfully? Click HERE to schedule your 1-Hour Power Up, and I’ll help you gain clarity on what’s blocking you from eating mindfully and show you how to get started!
Cheers to your health!
Morgaan Eastes, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Morgaan Eastes is a gifted writer with more than ten years of experience in the fields of health, nutrition, wellness, and plant medicine. Her trusted expertise is backed by her Health Coach certification from the renowned Health Coach Institute. Her Earthly duty and service to others is to help them gain clarity surrounding their health and wellness in a sea of contradictory science. Sometimes she's funny.
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