Mindful Movement, Mindful Eating

Baseline Workouts to Track Results

At the StrengthBox, the Eat REAL Challenge is well underway and all paleo-eating participants have been busy logging meals, charting progress and anticipating results. For many, part of the experience has involved a switch to higher-quality foods. Grass-fed beef, free-range eggs and organic vegetables are all encouraged over conventional counterparts.

Personally, selecting good quality food makes me think about it a little more. Where did it come from? Were the strawberries picked locally in season, or were they imported from an industrial operation that exploits migrant workers and uses chemical pesticides? Were the eggs from laid by hens that are allowed to move about, or were they confined their entire lives in small battery cages?

I’ve talked before about mindful movement in workouts (being aware of “how” you move, rather than pushing for intensity at all costs), so it seems logical to me that we can also be mindful about food and eating.

Grass-fed beef, a great choice

This awareness should extend beyond the types of food we buy. We can take a minute to appreciate food before we consume it. This is harder than it sounds, as food is so abundant in our society that we tend to gulp it down without a second thought. How many of us have a hard time remembering what we’ve eaten within the last 24 hours?

When we sit down to eat, we should start first by looking at the food, smelling it, and appreciating it. There’s no need for specific mind exercises — food is meant to be eaten, not to be the subject of meditation. Nevertheless, by thinking about the individual ingredients on our plates– all the plants and animals that are represented, and the labour that went into preparing the food — we can begin to take control of what and how we eat.

Having a real appreciation for food is easy. And it may help with body composition goals, as mindful eating discourages overeating. To get the most out of your next meal, try the following:

• Think of meal preparation as a relaxing experience, and not as a chore;
• Eat sitting down, and not in front of the computer or at your desk;
• Put away your mobile or PDA;
• Think about what you’re eating, where it came from, how it smells and tastes;
• Eat slowly, and be aware of how you’re eating; and,
• Stop eating before you get full.

Learning about Paleo Eating

So remember to stay mindful! These tips will help you gain control over your food, your meals, and your perceived hunger.

Tags: mindfulness, paleo, StrengthBox