We are all guilty at times for making naive and mindless choices. We can eat gratuitously, for the wrong purposes, and without a sense of power or control. How often do you think you haven’t eaten much for the day - only to discover - that you consumed a WHOLE packet of chips while watching TV, or a packet of biscuits as you were driving to or from work? Thoughtless. Unware.
You’ve been working hard on a project on the computer, and it’s time for a treat. You’ve been holding off, waiting for the delicious taste of - here, please fill in the blank. Ice cream? Chocolate? A donut? A fresh slice of toast laden with butter? Chips?
You take the first bite. Very yummy!
You take the second bite. Still yummy, maybe a little less yummy than the first bite, but never mind. You glance at the computer and something catches your eye. A celebrity scandal, a political gaff, a weird and wacky video. You click on it, watch, and continue eating. Disappearing food!
Suddenly you look down. Where did that treat go? Your fingers are sticky and there’s still a trace of flavour on your tongue, so it must have disappeared down the hatch while you weren’t looking... or smelling, or tasting, or enjoying. Disappointment and dissatisfaction set in. “That one just vanished! I’d better have another one.” Next the internal critic voice pipes up “What are you thinking? One treat is enough. You know you’re trying to lose weight/eat better/stop grazing/etc.”
Easy food, bad choices, huge consumption, with no agenda!
If we don’t make the food we eat a focus, over time, this lack of skill with eating causes imbalances and many problems - only one of which is being overweight or obese. When we learn to take control and eat mindfully, we correct the imbalances and learn to make good choices naturally. The new skills allow us to recapture and reclaim power over food. We need to create a mindful approach to attitudes, eating behaviours and portions - regularly.
Make sure, each time you sit down to eat, that is your WHOLE focus. Don’t be distracted with the TV, study, reading, the computer, etc. - where you have no idea how much you eat, nor take any care about what you are actually consuming.
Bringing mindfulness to food choices and portion sizes results in a healthier relationship with all foods plus increases the enjoyment of eating.
How do we change? Mindful eating starts with your shopping choices and food preparation. When out shopping for your groceries - notice the difference in the foods you purchase when you shop hungry or not - when you shop in a hurry or not - when you shop with a list or not. Huge differences? Absolutely! Do you buy more? Do you purchase more ‘fast’ foods? More ‘snack’ foods - chocolate, biscuits, chips?
How do your shopping choices then effect your food choices or preparation at home? How does it affect what and how you eat?
Do you purchase food that satisfies on all levels, or do you choose and prepare food that leaves you feeling like something is missing and you want more?
• Choose to BUY and EAT nutrient dense foods and give packaged or fast foods a huge miss.
• Plan your weekly meals then shop with a list. Only get what is on the list, don’t get distracted by the sugary and additive laden ‘specials’ on display. Never shop when hungry.
• We are continually rushed. Make your meal time a sit down and special occasion at the table. EVERY meal time, even if it’s only a snack. NEVER eat or snack while - watching TV, reading a book, at your computer, in your car ... make your own list there! Never ‘multi- task’.
• Be conscious of every mouthful - enjoy the flavour, the smell, the texture. Eat slowly. Enjoy the experience of eating.
Remember there is no right or wrong way on this continual journey towards optimal health. There is only a way that works for you.
Cheers to a safe and healthy body journey, Ann
personal training 0412 753 899
Your thoughts and questions to annparrott@optusnet.com.au
further reading www.annpt.blogspot.com • www.annpt.com
needing motivation? LIKE www.facebook.com/annptlightentheload
No comments:
Post a Comment