Eat Mindfully
It can help you lose! Try these simple slow-down-and-savor moves.
Eating dinner in front of the TV—or computer or smartphone or while stuck in traffic—may not seem like a big deal. But a small study out of the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom suggests that when you watch TV or surf the web during snacks or meals, you’re likely to take in more calories—sometimes up to 100-percent more than you would have otherwise. In time, this can lead to sticky keyboards—and weight gain.
Distractions lead to distortion
Imagine that you grab a bag of popcorn and bring it with you to the couch. You may have meant to have only a few handfuls, but if your brain is busy trying to unravel the plot of a crime drama it’s not going to signal to your body that it’s time to stop reaching for more. The mystery of what’s on TV may be solved, but you may never know exactly how much you ate during that sitting.
Finding focus
When you’re able to focus on your food you’ll savor the meal more, feel satisfied more quickly, and hold on to any feelings of fullness for longer. Here’s how to set up a distraction-free dining experience.
Tune in. Put away your phone, TV, laptop, or other distractions.
Have a seat. Standing or walking while eating can be a recipe for overeating, because you’re likely to be focused on doing something else.
Grab a plate. Sit down to a set table and savor.
Enjoy! Focus on and linger over your meal, the atmosphere, and conversations with loved ones.
Looking for some meals to savor? Check out these Sunday suppers, Italian style!