Q: What is the single thing you wish people would do differently about how they eat?
A: Wow, tough question.
All of us can change many things about our diets. No one is perfect. But I think one change can help bring about many of the other changes: mindfulness. I wish all of us would be more thoughtful and conscientious about what we are putting in our mouths. Even if it is a chocolate bar.
Why?
When we are mindful of our eating habits, we are in control of the situation. Control is the key for healthy eating. Whether it is stopping yourself from eating a snack when you aren’t hungry or realizing that a snack you thought was healthy actually has a lot of added salt or sugar. The knowledge we gain by thinking about each bite puts us in control.
That isn’t to say you can’t ever eat an “unhealthy” food. For example, I stopped myself from snacking on Halloween candy last Friday afternoon when I realized I was just bored. I thought through that I would really like to eat a treat while watching a movie with my husband that night. By being mindful of my eating, I was able to keep my sweet consumption in line but still enjoy my evening.
Stop and think the next time you eat. Think about how you feel before, during, and after eating. Ask why you are eating at all or that specific item. Read some labels. Measure a portion size. Even if it causes no diet change whatsoever, focusing on eating enhances the pleasure you derive from your food.
Thanks for the question. Happy eating and thinking!
Have any nutrition questions? Need help with meal planning or a special dietary need? Send your questions to me at kimberlykmarsh(at)gmail(dot)com, and I will answer them in upcoming posts!