We know you all are geared up for the festive season. Festivals are all about enjoying oneself, revelling and binge eating. It is a period when we often tend to decide to indulge in foods that are so enjoyable and decadent, but may not be very good for our health. That is why it is crucial to go for mindful festive eating, even when the celebrations lure us not to!
But don’t worry, Waangoo is here to help you with ways to practice mindful eating, because when you read this post you will understand the many benefits of doing so. So before you decide to overindulge in the fun and frolic of festivities, read this post!
Mindful Festive Eating – What Exactly Is It?
Mindful eating is simply the act of making sure you consume food consciously. It is exploring the flavours and the feel of each food, and listening to the internal crave and satisfied signals that arouse inside our bodies. Picture this - do you eat because you are hungry, or do you eat because food is available? That’s where mindful eating comes in handy to close the gap between eating out of boredom and eating to replenish the body.
When it comes to the festive season, eating can be made more purposeful, with the practice of mindful eating. It means going against the natural tendency of eating quickly or even impulsively eating snack foods throughout the day. This way, not only do you savour the food that has been prepared, but you also do not end up packing on the pounds during a festive meal.
It also means you eat clean, organic food that is untouched by harsh chemicals that might hurt your system. When you shop online for grocery and vegetables in Singapore at Waangoo, you don’t have to worry about that!
Key Aspects of Mindful Eating
Mindful eating isn’t just about the act of eating; it’s a whole experience. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind as you embark on your mindful eating journey this festive season:
1.Awareness
The first level of mindful festive eating involves paying attention to what you are consuming and why you chose to consume it. During celebrations, people take food or eat without thinking because there is food around. But when it comes to practicing mindful eating, this is more of a strict consideration whereby one feels each and every bit of food that they put in their mouth. Ask yourself: Is this hunger or is it triggered by what I see my companions doing?
2.Savouring the Experience
Instead of finishing a plate of sweets in a short span of time, take your time and relish it – enjoy its texture, taste, and smell. This reduces the chances of consuming more food than your body can handle by giving the brain enough time to signal that the stomach is full.
3.Listening to Your Body
One of the most crucial facets of mindful eating is the ability to be in tune with your body cues. Are you consuming foods as a result of being hungry, or as a result of stress or any other cause? Are you full? Are you bloated after a meal? Understanding these signals is beneficial as it enables you to pause and take a break when you are full and not force down food when fully stuffed.
4.Don’t Judge
It is a common scenario where people find themselves indulging in yummy food during festive seasons but feel guilty afterwards. Mindful eating allows you to consume the food without making harsh judgments on it. Well, it’s about overeating without having thoughts that say it is wrong to eat sweets during occasions such as birthdays.
5.Gratitude
Every single morsel of food that goes into our body is a blessing from God. The effort that goes into growing the food, to making it in the kitchen and reaching our plate, is beyond our imagination. So if we are able to get one bite of food, we need to be thankful towards every single individual involved in creating it.
How Does Mindful Eating Help
So if you are wondering what happens when you practice mindful eating, here is your answer -
- Better Digestion: Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly aids digestion and prevents overeating.
- Better Health: By making healthier food choices and eating mindfully, you can improve your overall health and well-being.
- Double the Enjoyment: By savouring each bite, you can fully appreciate the flavours and textures of your food, making your dining experience more enjoyable.
- Weight Management: Mindful eating can help you listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues, preventing overeating and promoting weight management.
- Reduced Stress: Mindful eating can help reduce stress and anxiety by focusing on the present moment and enjoying the experience of eating.
Tips For Festive Mindful Eating
Mindful eating during the festive season doesn’t mean you need to deprive yourself of your favourite treats. It’s all about finding the right balance. Here are some ways to practice mindful eating during the holidays:
- Start with a small portion: Take a small portion of a special festive meal and check how full you feel before taking anything more.
- Focus on quality over quantity: Prioritize quality ingredients and preparation methods over quantity.
- Balance your plate: Include a variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, to create a balanced meal.
- Mindful snacking: If you're snacking between meals, choose healthy options like fruits, nuts, or vegetables.
- Practice gratitude: It is recommended that prior to each meal take some time and reflect upon what you are about to eat.
- Mindful drinking: If you're consuming alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation and stay hydrated.
Tips for Mindful Festive Eating
Mindful eating is no rocket science. You just need to keep a few things in mind. A few of them are mentioned below -
- Don’t skip meals – Skipping meals in anticipation of a big feast later often leads to overeating? Make sure to eat balanced meals throughout the day to avoid arriving at celebrations ravenous.
- Practice gratitude – Before eating, take a moment to appreciate the food and the effort that went into making it. Gratitude can heighten your awareness and increase your enjoyment of the meal.
- Be present – Avoid distractions like TV or phones while eating. Staying present helps you stay connected to the act of eating and increases mindfulness.
- Indulge without guilt – Remember, it is okay to indulge during the festive season! The key is to enjoy your food mindfully and stop when you feel satisfied.
By practicing mindful eating during the festive season, you can enjoy the delicious food without overindulging. Remember, it's not about deprivation but about moderation and enjoying food in a mindful way.
Waangoo wishes you all a great fun-filled festival time!