Too ridiculously simple to work for weight loss? But it works!
Updated: Jul 27, 2021
I’m talking about eating mindfully.
The first time I came across the idea of mindful eating was on a Ted Talk called “Why Dieting Doesn’t Usually Work” by Neuroscientist Sandra Aamodt. You should look it up and watch it. To be honest, I didn’t get it at all. It sounded too ridiculously simple to work. I finished watching it, thought about it for 30 seconds and then forgot about it completely...until I was working on my Precision Nutrition Certification and mindful eating was one of the key strategies for weight management.
I get it now because I have put it into practice.
You can eat slowly but still be fully distracted as you’re watching TV, working in front of your computer or scrolling through your phone. You’re eating slowly because of these distractions so you will probably still miss your fullness cues.
You have to eat slowly AND mindfully for it to really work as a weight management strategy.
Also, getting used to doing these distractions when you’re eating means you’ll start to feel you should be eating when doing those things. Not sure about you but I associate popcorn and chocolate bars with going to the movies so much that even if I just stuffed myself with dinner 5 minutes before the movie starts, I must have them or else I’ll sit through the movie feeling like something’s missing! It’s been so long since I've been to the movies that when I do go, I’m going to order extra large of everything!!
Eating slowly and mindfully takes practice...a lot of practice but I really encourage you to incorporate it into all your meals whenever you can. It really works and I give you permission to NOT finish your food on your plate. If there’s enough to save, store it and finish it as soon as you’re hungry again. If it’s just a few bites, DO NOT FEEL GUILTY if you throw it out. Why is it better for it to end up inside your stomach and maybe stored as fat if it’s causing you grief?
THROW IT OUT!!