News India Live, Digital Desk: In today’s busy life, we often eat food in a hurry – sometimes while watching TV, sometimes while using mobile, and sometimes while doing office work. We do not even think about what we are eating, why we are eating and how much we are eating. outcome? Obesity, indigestion, stress and many other diseases.

But what if we tell you that without any strict dieting or sweating for hours in the gym, you can stay healthy just by changing the way you eat? Yes, this is possible with ‘mindful eating’. This is not rocket science, but an ancient and effective art of reconnecting with food.

What is this ‘mindful eating’ after all?

‘Mindful eating’ simply means – Eating mindfully, with full awareness and consciousnessThis is a kind of meditation, in which you eat not just to fill your stomach, but to nourish both body and mind. In this you pay full attention to the color of your food, its aroma, its taste and texture. You listen to your body’s signals – whether you’re really hungry or whether you’re just eating out of stress or boredom.

It is based on the ‘mindfulness’ practice of Buddhist philosophy, which teaches us the art of living every moment with awareness.

Surprising benefits of mindful eating

1. Helpful in controlling weight: When you eat mindfully, your brain quickly senses when you are full. This prevents you from overeating, which keeps your weight under control.
2. Digestion process improves: Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly reduces the stress on the digestive system and the food gets easily digested. This relieves problems like gas, constipation and indigestion.
3. Stress is reduced: When you just focus on eating, your mind becomes calm and the stress level automatically starts reducing.
4. Enjoy eating to the fullest: When you feel the taste and aroma of every bite, you get a different kind of satisfaction from eating. This also reduces the desire to eat junk food.
5. Understand the body better: This helps you recognize your body’s signals better. You start to understand when you are really hungry and when you are thirsty.

How to become a ‘mindful eater’? A simple start to mindful eating

It is very easy to incorporate mindful eating into your daily routine. Start with these small steps:

• Identify hunger: Before eating anything, stop for a moment and ask yourself, “Am I really hungry?”
• ** Say ‘no’ to distractions:** Switch off TV, mobile and laptop while eating. Keep your full attention only on your plate.
• Eat slowly and chew: Chew each bite at least 20-30 times. Eating slowly gives your brain a timely signal that you are full.
• Use your five senses: Look at your food, smell it, feel its taste and texture.
• Use a smaller plate: By eating in a smaller plate, you automatically eat less and also feel satisfied.
• Express gratitude: Be thankful for the food that is on your plate. This will make your relationship towards food more positive.

Mindful eating is not a diet, but a lifestyle. By adopting this, you can keep not only your body but also your mind healthy and calm.