Mindfulness and Weight Loss – What You Need to Know

According to Psychology Today, mindfulness is ‘a state of active, open attention on the present’. It means living in the moment and being acutely aware of what’s happening around. In the context of weight loss, mindfulness refers to mindful eating.

What Is Mindful Eating?

Mindful eating or intuitive eating is the practice of being aware while eating. This means that you eat with focus and give full attention to what you are eating.

From noticing the way your food tastes and smells to being aware of your feelings while eating, mindful eating ensures that the act of eating is fulfilling.

According to Women’s Health Magazine, mindfulness training of 6 weeks reduced participants’ tendency to eat out of control, decreased hunger and minimized instances of binge-eating.

According to the same source, another study carried out by the researchers at Kent State University found that mindful eating techniques, such as paying attention to smell of food and monitoring hunger levels, helped participants feel more satisfied after a meal.

Here are some ways you can engage in mindful eating and lose weight:

Be Aware of Your Inner Experience

Mindful eating implies that you should be aware of the inner happenings of your mind and body. From physical sensations of being hungry to your feelings while eating, you should be fully informed about your inner states.

Chew Properly and Savor It

Eating becomes so habitual that sometimes, we might forget to chew properly. This can not only impede proper digestion, but can also prevent you from savoring the delicious food. Make sure you eat one small bite at a time and chew it properly before swallowing it.

Turn Off All Distractions

With smartphones and TV, it is very common to get distracted while eating. Not paying attention means you might eat more than normal.

Become a Food Critic

For every food you eat, it is very important that you take a moment to notice how that goes in and how energetic you feel after you are done. Thinking like this while eating will also mean that you will steer clear of unhealthy eating.

Keep a Food Journal

Finally, make sure you keep a food journal. This will help you keep track of which foods work for you and which foods do not. Writing in a food journal will also help you count calories and grams.

Rekha Shrivastava at Blossom Hypnosis thoroughly understands the concept of mindfulness. Over the years, her weight loss programs in Rochester, New York, have helped many people lose extra pounds and engage in healthy eating. Visit her website for free consultation.

Sources

https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/mindfulness

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/mindful-eating-tips

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-13684/5-ways-eating-mindfully-can-help-you-lose-weight.html