mindfulness and a better diet

leosmith66
leosmith66 Posts: 69 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I started mindful meditation about 3 months ago, and I was wondering if anyone here uses it to help maintain a better diet.

Replies

  • ValeriePlz
    ValeriePlz Posts: 517 Member
    I think being mindful is a big part of it. You can eat a lot of calories without realizing it; even just logging food is practicing a form of mindfulness, but so is eating until you're just 80% full or things like that.

    I have a book called "The Yoga of Discipline" that talks about mindfulness in all aspects of life, including eating. I recommend it highly!
  • Emily3907
    Emily3907 Posts: 1,461 Member
    I am delving into that at the moment and I am finding it has really helped me change my mindset about food and listening to what my body needs.
  • tulips_and_tea
    tulips_and_tea Posts: 5,741 Member
    Mindful eating is important to me. When I'm eating I try to slow down (mentally; never have been a fast eater) and really enjoy what I'm having. It takes a while for the brain to register that the stomach is receiving food so I keep that in mind as well.

    Mindfulness overall is important to practice. Being aware. Being present in each and every moment. Things I try to do every day.
  • Penthesilea514
    Penthesilea514 Posts: 1,189 Member
    I like to use journaling for mindfulness- not only my food, but exercise, lists, mood, goals, sleep, etc. I like to keep it all in one journal that helps me think about every day as a whole. It is a tool that I particularly like to keep me focused.

    I have not tried meditation but I will definitely look into it. I am a fast eater, which is a problem for me because I can eat a lot before my stomach catches up. Meditation may help me work on that.
  • leosmith66
    leosmith66 Posts: 69 Member
    BZAH10 wrote: »
    Mindful eating is important to me.
    Just curious - did you do the raisin experiment when you started? That was one of my favorites, haha.

  • nowine4me
    nowine4me Posts: 3,985 Member
    leosmith66 wrote: »
    BZAH10 wrote: »
    Mindful eating is important to me.
    Just curious - did you do the raisin experiment when you started? That was one of my favorites, haha.

    I've lost 70# but still eat way to fast and thoughtlessly. I recently tried the raisin experiment and still couldn't get through it after a whole box. I'd like to do better. If anyone knows of any great books/blogs/newsletters on this, please do share.
  • ZodFit
    ZodFit Posts: 394 Member
    I notice I most mindful when I'm eating a bowl of berries...thoroughly appreciating the amount that is alotted in a serving. I also,practice mindfulness in the shower and while driving
  • Emily3907
    Emily3907 Posts: 1,461 Member
    edited May 2017
    I used this book to get me started:

    Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World by Mark Williams and Danny Penman

    https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Eight-Week-Finding-Peace-Frantic-ebook/dp/B005NJ2T1G

    I think it is a good place to start to get an understanding of what mindfulness is and how to start practicing it.

    I have done the raisin experiment and couple of times, but when I really want a challenge, I do it with a chocolate chip. :D
  • annacole94
    annacole94 Posts: 994 Member
    I listened to the Headspace audio book, and it includes a mindful eating exercise. The app would have it, too, but in the paid section.

    I'm a big believer in mindfulness/meditation, and I absolutely think it applies to eating and weight loss. Tuning in to your body and your food helps a LOT.
  • leosmith66
    leosmith66 Posts: 69 Member
    It's interesting that I started with Finding Peace, and am now using the Headspace App. Small world! I read 4 short books and several articles before I started with Finding Peace. They were all good, but my favorite one was 10% Happier. I like how the author went through an extensive vetting process for refining his meditation - lots of good information. Nothing beats Finding Peace for science explanations though.

    I try to eat mindfully. I don't have a weight problem, but I've had stomach issues in the past so I'm careful about what I eat. Mindfulness is helping me to be careful about how I eat.

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