Mindful Eating: Unwrap the Gifts of Inner Knowing and Gratitude

Do you ever find yourself mindlessly munching on a bag of Doritos while engrossed in your favorite TV show? I know I do! Or maybe you're a "go, go, go!" kind of person (like me), grabbing a quick bite on your way to the next meeting, barely noticing the taste or texture of what you're eating.

I’ve got a little secret for you: there's a more spiritually enriching, health-enhancing way to eat. And it’s as simple as listening to your intuition and saying "Thanks!" Let's dig in, shall we?

This whole message is for you - AND ME!

Beginning August 1st, I’m engaging in 30 days of mindful eating.

My intention is to continue past the end of the month, but right now – I’m gifting myself with thirty days of making how I nourish myself important. My sweetheart, Mark, is onboard too!

Mindful eating is all about savoring every bite, noticing the nuances of flavors, textures, and aromas, and paying attention to your body's signals.

It’s been my experience that my body’s signals are not always the same as my eyes' desires. Have you noticed the same thing? Oh, how easy it would be if those two were always on the same page! Unfortunately, our desire can be a sneaky trickster, whispering in our ear to reach for that extra slice of cake, even when we're full.

I’m suggesting we listen to our inner knowing.

Very like an internal compass, inner knowing guides us toward what our bodies truly need. It's that gut feeling (no pun intended!) that tells us maybe we should have an apple instead of the doughnut, or perhaps we need a second helping of veggies. It's not about dieting or restrictions, but about feeding our bodies with love and respect. Remember, not everything we want is right for our physical form. It's a tricky balance to strike, but it’s worth it!

Before we even begin our meal, it's helpful to take a moment to express gratitude. Hold on, I know what you're thinking: "But it's just a sandwich!" Well, yeah, but think about it. That sandwich didn't just magically appear in your hand. It started as seeds, soil, sun, and rain, then transformed by the hands of farmers, bakers, and possibly a friendly sandwich artist. Let's appreciate all that love and energy that has gone into creating our meal.

And after we've eaten? Yep. It's an opportunity to offer thanks again. Gratitude isn't a one-time thing; it’s an ongoing practice. By saying "thanks," we're not only acknowledging the hard work that went into our food but also the nourishment it provides to our bodies, fueling us to live our best lives.

Now, don't get me wrong; I’m not suggesting you turn every meal into a two-hour meditation session. But even just pausing for a few moments before and after you eat to tune into your body, listen to your intuition, and express gratitude, can shift your whole relationship with food. And that, my friends, is worth savoring.

In this world of fast food and faster living, mindful eating is a revolutionary act of self-love and gratitude.

So, the next time you sit down to a meal, whether it’s a gourmet feast or a simple sandwich, remember to slow down, tune in, and give thanks. Trust me, your body (and your spirit) will thank you.

If you’d like to join me on my “Savor the Flavor: 30-Day Mindful Eating Odyssey,” click here. Beginning August 1st, I’ll send you a short daily message with suggestions for making the journey fun, full of self-love, and nourishing!