• Health & Wellness -> Nutrition and Diet

• 0 Comment

What are the benefits of eating mindfully?

Eugenio Lujan

Well, there are a lot of benefits to eating mindfully! Firstly, let me explain what I mean by "eating mindfully". It's basically the practice of being present and fully engaged during your meals - paying attention to the flavors, textures, and overall experience of eating. Here are some benefits I've experienced and learned about:

1. Helps with portion control: When you eat mindfully, you're more aware of your hunger cues and can better gauge when you're full. This can help you avoid overeating and ultimately lead to weight loss. In fact, a study of 1,400 adults found that those who practiced mindful eating lost an average of 4.3 pounds over 6 months.

2. Reduces stress: Eating mindfully can be a form of meditation, helping you de-stress and relax. According to a study of 23 women, those who practiced mindful eating had lower cortisol levels (a hormone associated with stress) after their meals.

3. Boosts digestion: Taking the time to chew your food properly and savor each bite can aid in digestion. When you eat mindlessly, you tend to eat quickly and swallow large pieces of food, which can lead to indigestion and bloating.

4. Enhances enjoyment of food: When you eat mindfully, you're truly savoring every bite and enjoying the flavors and textures of your food. This can lead to greater satisfaction and enjoyment of your meals.

5. Improves overall health: Mindful eating has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This is likely due to the fact that it encourages a balanced, whole foods-based diet rather than mindlessly consuming processed and unhealthy foods.

Overall, I've found that incorporating mindful eating practices into my life has made a huge difference in my relationship with food. I feel more in tune with my body and better able to nourish it with the foods it needs. Plus, it's just a more enjoyable way to eat!