Are you able to notice when you have really been satisfied with food? In Western societies, lunchtime has taken a back seat due to our fast pace of life. Even the task of cooking has sometimes been replaced by the abuse of pre-cooked or fast food. This, together with the reduction in the time available to eat, makes us ignore the physiological sensations of eating, which can cause heavy digestion or poor nutrition, among other problems.
Conscious eating is the concept that reflects the importance of the attention we pay when eating. Mindfoodness consists of eating calmly, avoiding distractions and savoring the food, to bring our thoughts and emotions to the present moment, that is, lunch. This practice has numerous health benefits, as it promotes concentration and reduces the anxiety that causes some metabolic disorders.
Going to a takeaway establishment to eat in a hurry and even standing has translated into the experience of sitting at a table to have a leisurely lunch. The time reserved in our routine to eat is often very limited by the configuration of the work day and all the commitments and activities that we must fulfill. However, the time we spend eating and the environment in which we do so are factors that significantly affect our health:
To practice mindful eating, take an apple as a reference. Observe its color, touch it to appreciate its texture, smell it and slowly bring it closer to your mouth until you notice your salivation. Bite it, savor it, and chew it without losing attention to every part of the process, including swallowing. Taking this simple example to every meal will help you eat consciously. In an article, psychologist Myriam Oliver explains other tips for practicing mindful eating:
