Nutrition is not just about what you eat. How, when, why and where we are are just as important. During March, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) is highlighting this point with the National Nutrition Month theme, Savor the Flavor of Eating Right…
..because healthy eating is also about enjoying food! We are reminded to take time to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures, great flavors and social experiences food provides. Here’s a tip for savoring the flavor of eating,
Develop a mindful eating pattern that includes good for you foods that taste great, too.
What does mindful eating mean? I like this definition from the Center for Mindful Eating:
“Being aware of the nourishment available through the process of food preparation and consumption, choosing enjoyable and nutritious foods, acknowledging food preferences nonjudgmentally, recognizing and honoring physical hunger and satiety cues and using wisdom to guide eating decisions.”
Most of us get that it’s living in the moment and being present. But what many don’t get is the important component of nonjudgment.
Decades of dieting have conditioned us to second guess eating decisions, such as judging what you deserve to eat based on what you’ve eaten earlier in the day (or whether you have exercised), rather than on hunger cues. Learning to be a master of mindful eating can improve your eating habits and create a positive relationship with food.The quantity and quality of the foods you eat are important, but only a part of the puzzle for optimal health. Try to become more aware of the other factors influencing your eating decisions with a mindful or intuitive approach .
Nonjudgement is so important, I use similar phrasing daily. People automatically assume I will judge them as a dietitian and they constantly judge themselves. It would be nice if we could stop doing that 🙂
I also love the nonjudgemental approach. It’s a shame that so many people feel guilty about what they eat. I’m trying to be more mindful in my everyday life. Great post!
Such an important message. We can get so caught up in external cues, we forget to pay attention to our internal ones…when we are hungry, when we’ve had enough, and what food will really satisfy. Savor the flavor indeed!
Love that definition of mindful eating! Love the focus on nourishing through food preparation and not just the consumption, and non-judgment is so important! Happy National Nutrition Month Diane!