Eat Less – Enjoy More

How do you normally eat your favourite foods?  If you are like most of us, you stuff it in, chew quickly and move on to the next bite.  And if we are sitting in front of the TV a 250 gram bag of chips can disappear without us even knowing we have eaten anything at all.  There isn’t any real enjoyment eating this way, it’s just a way to mindlessly stack on the calories.

Next time you have a craving for something you know you shouldn’t be eating just try slowing down while you eat.

Mindful Eating

Before you start eating take a couple deep breath and centre yourself.  Then really look at the food you want to eat.  Hold it in your hand (or on your fork) and smell it.  Imagine how good it is going to taste.  Then slowly bring it to your month.  Enjoy the taste sensation and see how long you can hold the food in your month.  Your intention is to get full enjoyment out of that mouthful.

Once you have swallowed take another couple of deep breaths, check in with yourself to see if you want another bite.  If you do repeat the process.

I find when I eat this way then after a few mouthfuls I am satisfied and can stop eating.  Seriously try it and see how much more you enjoy eating.

Another thing you can do is limit yourself to one.  One bite, one spoonful, one piece of chocolate.  You’ll be amazed at how much better it tastes and how you will slow down your eating if you think you only get one shot at it.

Years ago I was in deepest darkest Africa for 6 weeks with a group of young adults.  We hadn’t had chocolate for 6 weeks when we came to a store and bought a block to share, everyone had one piece each.  It was just a plain Cadbury block but I swear that was the best piece of chocolate I have ever had in my life.

You can still enjoy your favourite foods and lose weight if you eat mindfully.