Mindful Eating

We're hearing the word "mindful" a lot at the moment it's the current buzz word for slowing down and pressing PAUSE. Many of us, including me find it difficult to slow down in todays hectic world where we must be doing something or we are wasting precious time. Trying to squeeze every last minute of the day out by filling it to the brim where we feel so wound up like a coil we eventually break. This is the current state of play in all aspects of life  for many people and one which i believe contributes to the poor diet of many. In my former career as an events manager my diet was diabolical. I would eat on the run from meeting to meeting, stuffing in a croissant and latte - sooooooo many lattes i would get palpitations if i didn't have a dispo cup in my hand (it was probably the lattes giving me the palpitations to be honest). Never allowing time to digest or even make the right choices. I was tired and "skinny fat" and my cholesterol was through the roof - which i scoffed at, being a slim tall 30 year old...i was unhealthy but because i ran around, had a busy job and worked out i believed i was the epitome of health. I was malnourished and i was ill - a lot. 

PAUSE - i like this word - this word makes me feel calm. If i could go back and tell my old self one piece of advise it would be this. In all areas of life. When we pause we can make better judgement, better decisions and in the long run that little bit of time we use to pause, will save us a whole lot of time making mistakes. This applies so well to the decisions we make about food. SO often hunger clouds our judgement, thats why they say never go shopping on an empty stomach - it couldn't be truer. So here are my 5 tips on being mindful around mealtimes:

1. always carry some raw nuts - full of protein these are my go-to snack and will stave off that hunger allowing you to make a clear call on what to eat.
2. WATER - sometimes that hunger can be thirst so make sure to have a (preferably glass) refillable water bottle with you.
3. If you can't be trusted to make the right choice when you get to meal times - plan it out in advance. Whatever you make for dinner - make twice the amount and use it the next day or the day after for lunch. 
4. When eating out - look straight at the healthier options, make your decision, then put the menu down - too often we make choices because of what we "fancy" not what we need.
5. Eat SLOWLY - and enjoy what you are eating - be thankful for every mouthful and be assured in the knowledge that you're nourishing your body well.

Kelly x