You may (or may not) be reading this while forking down mouthfuls of food at the same time. But, either way, eating has become a mindless act, often done quickly. This can be problematic, since it takes your brain up to 20 minutes to realise you’re full.
And that’s why you need to know a little about mindful eating, which can have a significant impact on our digestion, our gut health and, in turn, our fertility. After all, optimal digestion is the key foundational component to ensure we are supporting a well-nourished and balanced body, so that fertility may flourish and support a healthy baby when the time is right.
Mindful eating is based on mindfulness, a Buddhist concept, and is used to treat a number of conditions, including food-related disorders, depression and anxiety. At its most simple, mindful eating is about using mindfulness to reach a state of full attention to your experiences, cravings, and physical cues when eating.
So, how can we ensure that we eat mindfully? First and foremost, it involves eating s-l-o-w-l-y and without distraction – that means no scrolling on social media, flicking between apps or watching TV.
But mindful eating is based around a little more than merely your full attention. It also involves:-
- Listening to physical hunger cues and stopping eating once you are satiated;
- Distinguishing between true hunger and non-hunger triggers for eating;
- Engaging your senses by noticing not just flavours but also colours, smells and textures;
- Noticing the effects food has on your mood and emotions;
- Appreciating your food.
So, next time you sit down to a meal, or have a snack, try to really focus on the food itself, rather than seek additional stimulus elsewhere. Over time, your body will reap the benefits.
#wellnesswednesday #mindfuleating #digestion #guthealth #fertility #infertility #TTC #nuafertility
