Steps to Eating Food Consciously

DONNA THERRIEN: How many times have you eaten something and not even tasted it? Most people go through life on autopilot, unaware of what they are actually doing, especially while they're eating. Their minds are either in the future or in the past. They are either thinking about the next ten things they have to do or about the last ten things they did or said.

Because life moves at such a fast pace these days, people don't take the time to enjoy their food. Modern eating is generally on the run. We eat while we work. We eat while we drive. We eat while we read. We eat while we stand. Even when we sit still to eat our minds are still working. They get overburdened with our constant cares, worries and desires that our energy depletes and digestive issues arise.

Be present while you eat.

Eat sitting down. Take the time to rest and be aware while you eat and you will feel refreshed. Your stomach will be able to digest the food you put into it without having problems. You will be full long before you would be if you were eating in the car on the way to work or standing in the kitchen at the counter downing a sandwich.

Be aware of your surroundings and eat without stress. Eating in a tranquil atmosphere without loud noise or intense conversation will relax you and allow you to eat at a slower pace. If you are with someone keep the conversation light and happy.

Eat when your body is hungry not your mind. Most of the time we only think we are hungry. Be aware of what your body is saying. Maybe you just need a hug.

Prepare a pleasant environment for your meals. Set a table with a tablecloth, plates, glasses and silverware. Perhaps put flowers or candles on the table. How does it feel making your meal an important event?

Prepare your food with love. Love is the most important ingredient to a good meal. When you cook or prepare your own food, you take in that energy of love and you will feel energized by it. Giving your family meals you create is a great way to show your love for them.

Food is a gift. Take the time to be thankful at each meal. Be conscious of what you have with gratitude and love. This shows your respect for your food and yourself.

Savour the flavour with each bite. Enjoy the food. Hold it in your mouth and really taste it. Be aware of how good it is and how it makes you feel. Eat slower paying attention to the way the food tastes, the textures and the consistencies. You will be able to eat as much as you would like without over eating because you will become full much faster. You'll feel more relaxed in body and mind without hunger pains.

Chew your food completely. Try to chew each bite at least twenty times and see how it feels. Chewing your food to a pulp helps digestion.

Give your body a rest from eating now and again. Just one day each month try not to eat at all or try to drink only juices of fresh fruits or herbal teas to give your digestive system a break from solid food. This is detoxifying and will cleanse your body. You will feel much better afterwards and have more energy.

Eat with colour. Make your dinners a work of art creating plates of colourful, vibrant, healthy foods that make you feel alive.

Eat until satisfied but not full. According to Donna Gates, author of The Body Ecology Diet, eating yourself 80% full is the best strategy. This way you will not be uncomfortable twenty minutes later when you start to digest.

Eat without distractions such as a computer, TV, radio, book or newspaper. Keep your concentration on what you are doing and nothing else.

Food itself has its own energy. When unfocused and in need of grounding, eating root vegetables which grow in the ground will help provide sustainable energy. If you are tense, try eating leafy green vegetables that are light and cleansing allowing you to relax your mood. The energy is focused and uplifting.

Eat your food consciously. Be present and let the food impact the quality of your life not for its nutrients alone. When you stop, listen and slow down the pace, being present in a calm environment while you eat, you actually experience your food. You enjoy your food and you will get the most out of it.

Consciously allowing yourself to enjoy eating as the personal experience it was meant to be, moves us away from the toils of life so we become aware of all it's worth. Your body and mind will rejuvenate and you will appreciate the sustenance. In return the food and the experience will give you the energy and good health you deserve.

Jun 19, 2011 - 11:56 AM

Mercedes Giuffre -

I liked your article.
So truthful !!! Never eat in a hurry, it is a moment to enjoy, not only to fulfil basic needs......