SuperFoodsRx Resolution: Mindful Eating

We’ve all sat down in front of the TV with a favorite snack, a bag of chips or sleeve of cookies, and before the show is over it’s gone. This is called “mindless eating,” and it’s an unhealthy habit.

Whether you’re eating fatty snacks or enjoying a SuperFood, if you don’t pay attention to how much you’re putting in your mouth, you won’t be able to meet any kind of  healthy resolution.

The first step to breaking bad eating habits is to focus on your food. Avoid other activities while  eating, including watching TV, reading or working at your desk. Rather, savor every bite and chew your food thoroughly. You’ll not only slow down and enjoy your food, but you’ll feel fuller faster.

Secondly, pay attention to your hunger. Sometimes we think we’re hungry when we’re not. Before you start munching, try the following to determine if you really need to eat:

• Take your emotional pulse. How do you feel? Are you bored? Stressed? Angry? Tired? Sometimes distracting yourself for five minutes will cure your “hunger.” Try calling a friend, taking a quick walk or checking your e-mail before putting food in your mouth.
• If you still think you’re hungry, check the time. If it’s not mealtime, drink a glass of water or tea and wait 10 minutes. Sometimes your body’s thirst signal can create interference with your sense of hunger.
• If you’re still feeling hungry, have a small SuperFoodsRx snack. Savor each bite and enjoy it.

Eating the SuperFoodsRx way is easy — you just need to pay attention. You’ll not only start to learn more about yourself, your moods, and what triggers you to eat, but you’ll end up feeling a lot healthier, too.