You shove down a breakfast sandwich and a coffee on your way to the salon. After your 10 a.m. client, you eat a handful of M&M’s you find on the breakroom table. By 12:30, a half-can of soda is all you have time for to keep your energy level up. At 3:45 you finally get 15 minutes to eat a granola bar and three pieces of chocolate. Five o’clock brings a nice drive home with the rest of your soda. Does this sound familiar?
Mindful eating is a practice that starts with taking your time when eating — indulging in the age-old tradition of enjoying your food and allowing your body to catch up with your brain. Now that doesn’t mean you have to take a 60-minute lunch break, it means if you eat three grapes, they should be enjoyed and treasured.
Here are some ways to slow down and be mindful of your eating throughout your day.
Mindful eating exercise: Try this small method to slow down your eating and enjoy your food more.
Cut an apple into slices. Cut those slices into thirds. Scatter them onto a plate. Use a fork to eat these chucks of apples. Chew each chunk, one at a time, for 30 seconds. Take note of the flavor, the juiciness, the crispness, the full joy of what it tastes like. Take a drink of water between each bite. Relax your shoulders. Place your feet flat on the ground. Sit up straight. Take a deep cleansing breath. You’ve got this.
Next week’s topic: Calming the Chaos in Work Relationships
Jeri Mallow
Nail tech Jeri Mallow is the owner of Hartford, Wis.-based Nail Essentials and Inspire Nail Academy. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter @nailessentials and Instagram @nailessentialhartfordwi
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