Three Tips for Mindful Eating Over the Holidays

The holidays are often a time of overindulgence for people. This time of year can be full of temptation with festive treats, confectionary and leftovers all within arm’s reach. There can also be some social pressure to indulge at this time of year from family members or friends. This pressure, along with the changing of our normal social cues to eat like lunch break can make the holidays a challenging time. However, we can counteract these pressures with mindful eating, which is the act of paying attention to what you eating and being present for the eating experience. Here are three ways that mindful eating can help you over the holidays.

Tip 1: Slow Down

By learning to slow down and eat more mindfully, not only can you reduce overeating but also improve your connection to your food and eat more intuitively. Due to the fast-paced lifestyles we lead today, we often miss the signals that our body is sending us in relation to appetite. Take a moment before you start eating to appreciate the smells, the colors and the texture of the foods. Savoring every bite is one way to practice mindful eating.

Tip 2: Eliminate Distractions

Being present at meal times can also be hugely helped by eliminating any distractions. Turn off the TV, put down your laptop, leave your phone away from the table and enjoy the meal. Research has shown that we can tend to overeat when we are distracted during a meal. We often ignore our body’s cues that tell us when we are full, if we are distracted while eating.

Tip 3: Check your Hunger Levels

Most people will eat whatever is in front of them, whether they are actually hungry or not. This can lead to overeating at social functions. Try and take a moment before a meal to check how hungry you actually are. Eating out of boredom is very common when we have more spare time on our hands. Checking your hunger levels may lead to more controlled and more mindful eating over the Holiday season.

Take some time this Holiday season to practice mindful eating. Being present in general can have many positive benefits. Mindful eating can help you savor all of the delicious foods and meal times that you are spending with friends or family. Happy Holidays!