Wellness Tips Mindful Eating and Hydration
Controlling how you eat can be as important to your health as what you eat. Check out these 7 tips for mindful eating, which have been shown to reduce binge eating, improve weight loss, and provide a general sense of well-being.
1. Prepare to eat - Emotions are ties to eating so try to recognize them and how they affect your food choices.
2. Breathe and relax - Find a comfortable seat and take a few moments to breathe deeply. This prepares the body to switch from “fight or flight” mode to a “rest and digest” phase.
3. Notice what’s on your plate - Take a moment to notice the colors, textures and even the amount of food on your plate. Pay special attention to the food’s smell and taste as you eat.
4. Chew thoroughly - Chew slowly and enjoy the bursts of flavor in your mouth. Think about how the food is making you feel.
5. Eat slowly - Digestion begins with chewing. Help your digestive system by doing some of the work for it. Enjoy your meal and try not to rush.
6. Stop when you are full - The brain takes about 20 minutes to realize you have had enough. Another good reason not to rush through your meal.
7. Make eating a separate activity - Eating while working or watching TV can cause you to overeat. Treat eating as the part of your day when you can not only nourish your body but your mind and spirit as well.
Stay Hydrated
Have you ever noticed how a simple glass of water can sometimes feel like a reset button on your day? This may come as no surprise when we consider that the human body is 70% water! Water can play a big part in your mood as well. Read below for some tips on how to improve your mood while staying hydrated.
- Combat fatigue - Being dehydrated can make you feel tired, cause muscle fatigue, dizziness and headaches. Many of us reach for caffeine when we feel this way, but water could be just the lift your body needs.
- Improve digestion - Our digestive system needs a good amount of water to work properly. Water can help reduce stomach acid and incidence of constipation. Water also helps your kidneys and liver flush toxins and waste.
- Lose weight - Water is a perfect replacement for those high-calorie drinks that are often full of sugar and preservatives. It can also act as an appetite suppressant by making you feel full.
- Tips on how to drink more water - Stay hydrated by drinking water with every meal and carrying a refillable water bottle throughout the day. To further support hydration, try to avoid salt, alcohol, and caffeine, as they can contribute to dehydration.
