Hey girls! Today I’m gonna spill the beans on how I’ve been nailing this mindful eating thing to keep my energy levels through the roof. You know how it is, we’re always on the go, juggling a million things, and sometimes our eating habits take a backseat. But not anymore for me!
So, first off, what even is mindful eating? It’s not just about shoving food in your mouth while scrolling through Instagram or multitasking like crazy. It’s about being present in the moment when you’re eating. I used to be the queen of eating on the run. I’d grab a granola bar in one hand, my phone in the other, and be out the door, barely even tasting what I was eating. But then I realized I was missing out on so much.
When I started practicing mindful eating, I made a point to sit down at the table for my meals. No more standing in the kitchen wolfing down food. I set the table, even if it was just a simple plate and a glass of water. It made the whole experience feel more special. And then, before I took that first bite, I actually looked at my food. I noticed the colors, the textures. It was like seeing my meal in a whole new light.
For example, I had this amazing salad the other day. Instead of just dumping dressing on it and digging in, I took a moment to admire the bright greens of the lettuce, the juicy red tomatoes, and the little bits of purple onion. It was like a work of art on my plate! And when I finally took a bite, I could taste each ingredient so much more vividly. The crunch of the lettuce, the sweetness of the tomatoes, it was incredible.
Another thing I’ve learned is to listen to my body. We often eat out of habit or because we’re bored or stressed. But our bodies are actually really good at telling us what they need. There have been times when I thought I was hungry and reached for a snack, but then I stopped and really tuned in. I realized I wasn’t actually hungry, I was just thirsty. So now I always have a glass of water first and see if that craving goes away. And sometimes, it does!
But when I am actually hungry, I make sure to choose foods that are going to give me that long-lasting energy. I used to be all about the quick sugar fixes. You know, a candy bar here, a soda there. And yeah, they gave me a little burst of energy, but then I’d crash hard. Now I focus on complex carbs, like whole grains, and pair them with some good protein and healthy fats. It’s like a magic formula for keeping my energy steady throughout the day.
Like, I’ll have some oatmeal in the morning with a dollop of peanut butter and a sprinkle of berries. The oatmeal gives me that slow-release energy from the complex carbs, the peanut butter has protein to keep me full, and the berries add a touch of sweetness and lots of vitamins. It’s a winning combo! And I don’t feel that mid-morning slump like I used to.
Also, I’ve been paying more attention to portion sizes. We don’t need to eat huge mountains of food to feel satisfied. Sometimes, a smaller, well-balanced meal is all it takes. I used to pile my plate high, thinking more food meant more energy. But I was just making myself feel sluggish. Now I listen to my body’s cues. If I start to feel full, I stop eating. It’s that simple. And I’ve noticed I have more energy to get through my day when I’m not overeating.
Let’s talk about snacks too. I used to reach for the chips or cookies when I needed a pick-me-up. But now I’ve got some amazing healthy snack options up my sleeve. I love making my own trail mix with nuts, seeds, and a few dried fruits. The nuts and seeds are full of good fats and protein, and the dried fruits add a bit of natural sweetness. It’s perfect for when I’m on the go and need a little something to tide me over until my next meal.
And don’t even get me started on emotional eating. We’ve all been there, right? Having a bad day and reaching for that tub of ice cream. But I’ve learned that food isn’t the answer to our emotions. Instead of using food to numb my feelings, I’ve started finding other ways to deal with stress and sadness. I’ll go for a walk, listen to some music, or call a friend. It’s so much healthier in the long run.
In conclusion, mindful eating has been a total game-changer for me. It’s not about being perfect or following some strict diet rules. It’s about being kind to myself and my body, and making choices that are going to fuel me for maximum energy. So give it a try, girls! You might be surprised at how much better you feel. 💖