Oh hi there! Now that I have your attention…heh. Anywho, I want to chat with you today about something I have been thinking about over and over the past couple weeks since I got back from vacation and have really been trying to eat better.
If you know me at all, which hopefully you do, because you follow me on twitter and my Facebook fan page AND subscribe to my posts which you can do on the right menu bar…(shameless I tell ya) then you know I LOVE sweets. I love ice cream, cupcakes, candy, chocolate. I also like chips and salsa, cheez it’s, well….most unhealthy things. I will NEVER be one of those people that puts a food “off limits” but I CLEARLY have issues with snacking. Working from home does absolutely nothing to help these issues, because I find myself with my big head in the pantry all. day. long.
So, I recently started becoming more MINDFUL of what I am eating. I don’t mean this in the sense of being mindful of healthy versus unhealthy, I mean actually PAY ATTENTION when you eat so you can fully enjoy it. How many times have you decided to indulge in some yummy treat, and you started eating. And your mind began to wander as you ate. And before you know it, you are done and you didn’t actually ENJOY the food! (Hopefully I am not the only one who does this…)
Well, I am here to tell you I do it all the sitnkin time! It’s like a disease! Then of course I want more, but that’s no bueno. I firmly believe I wouldn’t even need near as MUCH of the desired item if I truly savored it. Huh? For instance. If I am craving chocolate, I will go eat half a bag of Cadbury mini eggs….I may or may not still have 3 unopened bags in the pantry I “stocked up on” after Easter… Who’s counting? Anyway, if I was ACTUALLY paying attention I would probably be satisfied to savor just a small handful. Instead, I mindlessly eat and end up sad because of all the food I ate and super-duper sad because I didn’t even enjoy the delectable treats.
Dilemma. I know. So what have I been doing? Well first of all, when I feel the urge to hit the pantry, I down a glass of water. I don’t drink near enough of the stuff, so even if I am still hungry after, I know it was good for me. I re-acess a few minutes later and if I DO decide a treat is in order, not only do I NOT take the whole bag/box/carton with me, but I actually pay attention. I DO NOT sit in front of the TV or the computer. I DO NOT talk on the phone and I DO NOT WORRY about things. I can be a nervous eater so stressing as I snack makes me snack more.
So, all of that to say, take your time and enjoy your special treats. You probably won’t eat as much, and you will feel more satisfied later. This goes for any food you eat really, but especially for treats (in my opinion) and with that, I am going to go pay a LOT of attention to a bowl of ice cream.
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yesterday I ran an easy 2 miles in my neighborhood and threw in about 3-4 hills. Today I may at my parents after some business appointments I have to go to. This is slightly throwing my schedule off! This is what I wore today to run in. This is one of my favorite outfits. Sorry it’s blurry, I hate where the camera button is on my phone, there is no way to hold it with one hand and have it not be blurry!
QOTD: Do you pay attention to the food you eat? Do you multi task when you eat? Do you find you eat more by doing this?
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This was a great psot! I think we are all guilty of midlessly eating. That doesn’t mean we “shouldn’t” eat a food (like you stated) – it just means we need to sit back and enjoy it more!!
its so hard though esp when its so good and I want to inhale it!
I have an easy solution for you: get pregnant. This is the first time in my life that I’m not snacky and am able to stop when full. Of course this is likely because I’m not exercising nearly as much 🙂
And I’m jealous you have a Jamba Juice! I love it but have only ever had it in airports.
ha! ya, real easy solution!
I know what you mean about paying attention. Sometimes, only sometimes, I can get away with eating a Hershey kiss or two for dessert. If I savor them, I don’t need as many.
I love this post, I have my days where I eat consciously and enjoy my food and then other days where im shoving it in my mouth I need to focus more on savoring my food and life
I am totally with you there….and this is something I’ve thought about a lot lately, too. Don’t just inhale your food…enjoy it!!! I’ve really been working on that!!!
Ive been trying to pay more attention to what and WHY I am eating.. Im a mindless snacker. Get bored and go to the pantry.
Ever hear of the 3 bite rule? Something like when you have a sweet only take 3 bites of it.. Or maybe you could do 1/3 of it. Just an idea 🙂
Mindfulness is a great practice to develop, so it’s great that you’ve done it with food! It does make it more enjoyable. I’m trying to develop the practice of it too! That’s what my Friday posts are all about!
It may seem strange, but multitasking while eating breakfast, unless something special, helps me eat breakfast. Since I have to wake up so early I count every extra moment of sleep as valuable, therefore, if I have to sitdown and savor… Sadly it doesn’t happen. Any other time though, this would help me. 🙂
ha! I hear ya. I multitask when i eat too, but try not to when eating dessert or something really bad for me!