In our hurried society (especially this time of the year) we have all but lost the ability to really appreciate, taste and enjoy our food. We find ourselves just bolting down anything that we can find that is quick and convienient. I am writing from experience. I enjoy being busy and productive, therefore, I must plan for meals or I end up doing what I just described. Planning in advance keeps me from eating whatever is handy or skipping meals altogether.
Since beginning my spiritual practice of Insight Meditation, some years ago, I have learned the steps to mindful eating. I cannot say that I always follow these steps but I am getting better at it as time goes by. The steps that I have learned are:
- Take time to be genuinely thankful for the food. Bless it and all of the people that it took to get it to you.
- Allow yourself time to look at the food and really breathe in the aromas. It is said, “We eat first with our eyes.”
- Eat slowly. Chew each bite thoroughly. Feel the textures and really taste the flavors of the food.
- Eat only to the level of satiety. For most people that would be about 2 cupped handfuls.By eating slowly we are aware of being satisfied much sooner. Much of the time this leads to weight loss and a healthier body.
- Sit for a period after eating and allow yourself once again to be thankful.
For more in depth instruction and information on mindful eating there is a book by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk, entitled Mindful Eating.
Living Full-Tilt 