Distracted eating happens when while eating your mind is elsewhere but on the meal that is in front of you. This is the opposite of mindful eating when we enjoy our meal and make healthy-smart choices.
Distracted eating happens not only to grown-ups but many times kids as well, worst of all, sometimes the entire family. People get distracted by the TV, a mobile device, or a video game.
If you are concerned about your weight the answer is simple; pay attention to what you eat and avoid multitasking. Take your time to enjoy your meal, savor the food, enjoy the texture, make a family habit of sitting down at the dinner table without any gadget and have quality time.
Unplug yourself
Being distracted or not paying attention to a meal might tend to people eat more at that meal whereas paying attention to a meal was linked to eating less later on.
These results make good sense. Hunger is not the only thing that influences how much we eat during the day. Attention and memory also play roles. For instance, after you start eating, it takes an average of 20 minutes for the brain begins to start sending the message of fulfillment of not being hungry anymore and turn off appetite. If you are busy or in hurrying not paying attention you could easily take in many more calories than you need in 20 minutes.
If you aren’t mindful of what’s going into your mouth, chances are you don’t process that information. That means it hasn’t been stored in your memory bank and without a memory of having done it, you are more likely to eat again sooner than you might have if you ate mindfully.
Mindful eating is a broader approach to living a healthier lifestyle called mindfulness. This includes being fully aware of what is happening within and around you at the moment of the day. You can practice mindfulness during any daily activity even eating.
Regarding eating, mindfulness includes noticing the colors, flavors, smells, and textures of your food. It also means getting rid of distractions like television or reading or working on your computer. Keep it simple and avoid multitasking and only eat.
If mindful eating is a new concept for you? start gradually. This will get you closer to develop new habits that will stick through your daily routine. Bariatric surgery will facilitate the food intake in order for you to not only achieve weight loss but a healthier lifestyle as well.
Eat one meal a day or week in a slower, more attentive manner. Here you have some tips that may help you get on your way:
• Make sure to follow your eating plan on time, measure your portions, never skip a meal and be disciplined.
• Try eating with your non-dominant hand; if you’re a righty, hold your fork in your left hand when lifting food to your mouth.
• Take small bites and chew well.
• Try chopsticks if you don’t normally use them.
• Be quiet for five minutes, thinking about what it took to produce that meal, all the way from the farm to your table.
• Before you eat anything ask yourself, “Am I really hungry?” Do something else, like reading or going on a short walk.
By paying attention to what you are putting into your mouth, mindful eating can reduce daily calorie intake, you’ll more likely to make healthier food choices and enjoy meals and snacks more fully.
Remember that bariatric surgery it’s only the first step into a healthier lifestyle, weight loss shouldn’t be your main goal your health should, so make sure to always remember that when you eat. Your food choices are up to you, every meal is an opportunity to nurture your body so choose wisely.
