Amid deadlines, a flurry of activities, and a day full of meetings is the sad reality of global corporate giants. All thanks to the busy schedule, an average working professional barely manages to squeeze in his ‘me’ time which technically becomes the ‘meal’ time. In times when finger foods have replaced nutritious meals, and dining tables have gone out of use due to hurried bites on the go, mindful eating comes as an antidote.
The chaotic lifestyle in a metropolitan city can easily deplete one’s energy. Set aside exercising, people struggle to enjoy a peaceful meal as they’re completely drained out by the end of the day. This sedentary routine results in significant health risks like weight gain, diabetes, stress, high blood pressure, and more.
A study conducted by the American diabetes association states that mindful eating introduced by Buddhism can aid weight loss. So, is mindful eating some sort of dieting? Well, let’s find out
What is mindful eating?
Mindful eating is one of the rooted traditions in many ancient lifestyles. This is one of the holistic practices which evolved over centuries and gained recognition all over the world. Zen or mindful eating is a valuable approach to a healthier and happier way of living. It aids the human relationship with food and the environment while fostering their connection with mind and body.
The basic teaching of mindful eating suggests finding joy in eating while promoting your overall health and well-being. It encourages people to concentrate on every bite and have self-awareness about the quantity and quality of the food. The contemporary form of mindful eating mainly focuses on the full sensory experience of chewing food, including its taste, shape, aroma, and even the sound of each bite. This is said to promote both mental peace and physical nourishment resulting in reduced amount of stress levels and other health disorders.
How to practice mindful eating?
Is your life dominated by gadgets? Well, take a break from the screens and look at the greens. Yes, have a mild disconnection from your phone and gift yourself some digital detox, especially while having food. Your senses will thank you if you rediscover and enjoy food mindfully. So, let’s explore a few steps on mindful eating
Concentrate on the target
The first step in embracing this journey is to set yourself free from the handcuffs of distractions. Be it screens, people, or conversations just keep your phone aside on silent and create a peaceful space around yourself to relish your meal.
Invest your senses
Once your concentration is in place, make way for your senses. Right before you dive into the trans of eating, wait for a moment and appreciate the vibrant colors of your leafy greens, spicy reds, and golden hues present on the plate. Take a deep breath and smell the aroma of your food before the celebration of taste begins.
Sense the texture
If you’ve zero distractions around you, chances are high that you’ll automatically focus more on the shape and texture of the food. It is recommended to have your food with your hands. Especially if it’s such a meal that can be had using your fingertips then feel the texture and explore the warmth of the meal.
Chew slowly
Ancient science recommends one chew their food multiple times before gulping it down. This is another way of mindful eating as it not only helps you devour your food but also aids the digestive process in the body.
Be grateful for the meal
In almost all religions, there’s a little practice of showing gratitude for the food you’ve received. This is because food is nourishing and helps us grow. Being thankful for the hands of those who’ve prepared the meal reflects happiness and brings calmness to your mind.
Benefits of mindful eating for professionals
Embarking on the journey of mindful eating can be transformative. It has the power to unlock a series of mental and physical health benefits that can expand beyond your dining area. By switching off from the outer world while delving into your food, you’re allowing yourself to improve focus, lesser stress, and better mental well-being. Have a look at the five major daily life issues that can be tackled with mindful eating.
Stress
Mindful eating enables a respite from the dealings of high-pressure situations. Just by taking a few moments off to have your meal can help you remain calm and work wonders for your stress levels.
Focus and efficiency
The mind is a complex space. Therefore, it requires proper nourishment to function throughout the day. In this case, eating mindfully can help the working professionals savouring healthy foods which increases focus and productivity at work.
Indecisiveness
If you’re a leader or a working professional, then you’re constantly under the pressure of decision-making. Believe it or not, a lot of rights and wrongs depend on your stress and blood sugar levels. Hence, it’s wiser to switch to a mindful and zen mode of eating to have improved cognitive functioning.
