Conscious Eating: It's More Than Just A Meal! -

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Conscious Eating: It’s More Than Just A Meal!

By Maryann Ridini Spencer

Simply Delicious Living is, in part, about making every meal an experience and – when it comes your body-mind-spirit balance – it’s about living a healthy, creative, fulfilling and joyous life.

There are certain things we do everyday – often without thinking –

Wash our face

Brush our hair and our teeth

Sleep

Take a shower

Eat

How many times have you grabbed a muffin, piece of toast, or power bar with coffee (to eat while driving in the car)? Or eaten a sandwich doing work at the computer? What about nuking a lean cuisine or TV dinner in the microwave to eat while watching TV?

I must say, I’ve been a culprit of all of the above.

However, when you eat like this, usually you grab the foods that aren’t as nutritious for you. You might not even remember what you ate. Worse, you might not even be able to pronounce all the ingredients on the packaging.

Your dissatisfaction with inhaling your meal less than two minutes might even drive you to scan the refrigerator and freezer for something else to satisfy you.

I’ve been there too.

What I’ve noticed for myself, is that when I slow down, consciously think about what I’m eating, (making sure by reading the labeling that it’s organic, natural), yet also tasty to me, I get satisfied more quickly. I also feel better both physically and mentally.
Conscious eating has also been a lifesaver in keeping my weight in check.

What are some great tips to conscious, healthy eating that will make you more satisfied?

*Plan ahead. Make a list of what foods/meals you’d like to enjoy each week and what you’ll have time to prepare. Create a shopping list before you visit the market
*Purchase and prepare foods with ingredients you can pronounce and know what they are.
*Eat fresh and local produce whenever possible. This contributes to your overall health as well as the local economy and the environment (less greenhouse gas emissions from importing!).
*Cook, steam, grill or eat your foods raw vs. nuking in the microwave!
*Enjoy the foods you like, within reason. If it’s dessert you’re craving, seek out healthy alternatives that will satisfy. (Visit our Recipe and Video Blog at SimplyDeliciousLiving.TV. We have some great desserts made with fruit and/or made with very little sugar).
*Enjoy the preparation. As you make your meal, consider all the ingredients and what you’re putting into your body – and your body’s history and reaction to them after eating.
*Take the time to sit down and enjoy a meal (minus the electronics). Use it for family time and for good conversation. If you’re alone, put on your favorite CD, enjoy the meal preparation and then as you eat, savor the flavors. I assure you, it will put a smile on your face!
*Breathe. As you eat your meal, rather than shoveling the food non-stop, breathe between bites. Let your brain have a chance to register that you’re getting full.
*Appreciate and give thanks. Thank the farmers, the store, the food growers, yourself or your loved ones who prepared the meal – and thank God and the Universe, for the delicious food that you are about to eat that will nourish and satisfy your body and provide you with sustenance to live and create harmoniously!

LISTEN to the Conscious Eating Podcast! CLICK HERE
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