What the Heck Is Mindful Eating and Why Should I Bother?
Updated: Aug. 14, 2018Is this practice just another hippy-dippy craze, or is it a thoughtful way to approach food? I gave it a shot for two weeks, and here's what I discovered.
I’m not going to lie. When I first heard about mindful eating, my eye roll was big enough to burn a few hundred calories. After all, the last thing I needed was another kooky trend like consuming the proper greens to satisfy my spirit animal or gnawing on peach stones to improve my memory.
My attitude changed one morning while unconsciously scarfing down a cinnamon roll from the vending machine at work. Let that sink in for a moment: a cinnamon roll. From a vending machine. At work. Maybe it was time I looked into this thing called “mindful eating” after all. I decided to give it a shot for two weeks.
So, What Is Mindful Eating?
It’s pretty much what it sounds like: paying attention to what you’re eating, and eating it with great intent. Think of it as the “what, when, where and why” of your daily eating habits.
- What am I eating?
- When am I eating?
- Where am I eating?
- Why am I eating?
It’s not necessarily about eating healthy. Want to eat a dozen tacos? Go for it. You need to thoroughly invest in making that decision first, however. If you move forward with your choice, then relish the total experience of your tacopalooza.
Getting Started
Begin by turning off your autopilot and staying focused on the present. Then, follow these steps:
- Think about how hungry you really are. Is your body truly in need of food?
- If you’re eating because you need to, which foods would best help your body?
- Eat slowly and thoughtfully. Focus on the task at hand—eating.
- Savor the experience. Appreciate the many sensations your food delivers. Enjoy the textures as well as the flavors.
My Results
Jumping into the practice of mindful eating was easier than I thought. A self-described couch potato, I started by turning off the TV at dinnertime.
I also began planning meals, sometimes a few days in advance. I immersed myself in preparing the food, even if simply reheating leftovers. I started living in the moment and genuinely enjoying the meal in front of me.
Soon, I was thinking about the foods I ate. How had vending-machine pastries ever been an option? When I craved a cinnamon roll, I found the right one and delighted in every ooey-gooey bite. I even learned how to bake my own cinnamon rolls!
By the end of the second week, I was eating less and eating healthier. I began listening to my body and putting down my fork when I was satisfied. I even lost 5 pounds.
I also better understood why I ate when I wasn’t hungry. Often it stemmed from a need to walk away from what I was working on. I learned that taking a break didn’t necessarily require eating.
Great Lessons
I packed a lot into my two-week journey into mindful eating, but I have more to learn—and that’s okay! I’m looking forward to discovering more about myself and exploring all of the options when hunger hits.
Is mindful eating some New Age flavor of the day? Maybe. There are, however, eye-opening aspects of the practice that can contribute to your overall well-being. Give it a try. If a cinnamon-roll-loving couch potato like me can benefit from mindful eating, anyone can!
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Asparagus-Mushroom Frittata
My Sicilian Aunt Paulina inspired this fluffy frittata. I remember visiting her garden, picking fresh veggies and watching her cook. Her wild asparagus frittata was my favorite. —Cindy Esposito, Bloomfield, New Jersey
Hawaiian Breakfast Hash
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Basil Vegetable Strata
I've been cooking this strata for years, and my family just can't get enough! The fresh basil gives this healthy brunch dish an added flavor boost. —Jean L. Ecos, Hartland, Wisconsin.
Sausage-Egg Burritos
My husband and I try to eat healthy, but finding new meals for breakfast is a challenge. By adding tomatoes, spinach and garlic to traditional eggs and egg whites, we can have a dish that is both light and satisfying.—Wendy G. Ball, Battle Creek, Michigan.
Rise and Shine Parfait
Start your day with a smile. This fruit, yogurt and granola parfait is so easy to make. If you like, use whatever favorite fresh fruits are in season and are looking best at the supermarket. —Diana Laskaris, Chicago, Illinois
Portobello Mushrooms Florentine
A fun and surprisingly hearty breakfast dish packed with flavor and richness. —Sara Morris, Laguna Beach, California
Buttermilk Buckwheat Pancakes
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Calico Scrambled Eggs
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Fruit-Filled French Toast Wraps
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Hash Brown Nests with Portobellos and Eggs
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Brown Sugar & Banana Oatmeal
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Chorizo & Grits Breakfast Bowls
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Raspberry Peach Puff Pancake
Here's a simple, satisfying treat that's perfect when you have company for brunch. It's elegant enough that you can even serve it for dessert at other meals.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Italian Garden Frittata
I like to serve this pretty frittata with melon wedges for a delicious breakfast or brunch. —Sally Maloney, Dallas, Georgia
Overnight Cherry-Almond Oatmeal
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Baked Peach Pancake
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Spinach Potato Pie
When we have brunch with relatives, I like to make this crustless quiche with hash browns and spinach. We think it's a great addition to our menu. —Deanna Phillips, Ferndale, Washington
Apple-Sage Sausage Patties
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Apple-Cranberry Grains
These delicious slow-cooker grains are perfect. I set my slow cooker to start automatically overnight and a hearty breakfast is ready in the morning, making this quick and healthy recipe a favorite in my home. —Sherisse Dawe, Black Diamond, Alberta, Canada
Mini Ham & Cheese Quiches
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Raisin Nut Oatmeal
There’s no better feeling than waking up to a hot, ready-to-eat breakfast. The oats, fruit and spices in this homey meal cook together while you sleep! —Valerie Sauber, Adelanto, California
Colorful Broccoli Cheddar Casserole
When we have houseguests, we make broccoli and cheese strata the night before so in the morning we can relax and visit while it bubbles in the oven. —Gale Lalmond, Deering, New Hampshire
Black Bean & White Cheddar Frittata
This is one of my favorite comfort foods for breakfast or even a quick dinner. I like to make it with lime salsa. But if you're looking for something with more kick, use hot salsa or add some chipotle pepper. —Aysha Schurman, Ammon, Idaho
Feta Scrambled Egg Wraps
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Peanut Butter Oatmeal
My son and I eat this peanut butter oatmeal recipe every day for breakfast. It's a hearty, healthy way to jump start our morning. — Elisabeth Reitenbach, Terryville, Connecticut
Microwave Egg Sandwich
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Makeover Biscuits & Gravy
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Scrambled Egg Hash Brown Cups
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Frittata Florentine
My family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it’s loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California
Buttermilk Pumpkin Waffles
My girlfriend loves pumpkin, so I enjoy making these for her on cool Sunday mornings. —Charles Insler, Silver Spring, Maryland
Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
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Shakshuka
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Southwest Breakfast Wraps
I always thought eating healthy wouldn't be as enjoyable as eating whatever I wanted. This recipe proved me wrong; healthy ingredients taste wonderful and are just as mouthwatering without the extra calories. —Nicole Hackley, Culbertson, Montana
Carrot Cake Oatmeal
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Southwest Tortilla Scramble
Here’s my version of a deconstructed breakfast burrito that’s actually good for you. Go for hefty corn tortillas in this recipe. Flour ones can get lost in the scramble. —Christine Schenher, Exeter, California
Morning Glory Pancakes
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Southwest Hash with Adobo-Lime Crema
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