The Art of Nourishment: VA dietitian discusses mindful eating

Mindfulness is a buzz-word that everyone seems to be using, but it means something slightly different to each person. My own perspective on it has shifted dramatically in the past year as I began to explore the concept of mindfulness in cooking, eating, and nutrition.

As a dietitian, I tend to be very aware of what I’m eating down to the calorie, carbohydrate, protein, and fat content. But that awareness is not mindful eating.

Here’s the formula I use to introduce my students to the practice:

MINDFUL EATING = AWARENESS – ANXIETY

In recent years, healthy eating has become a confusing and controversial topic. While it is certainly an important subject, when eating “healthy” becomes a stressor rather than an enjoyable and natural part of life, there’s something wrong. When we feel so guilty for eating the foods that we enjoy that we can hardly allow ourselves to truly enjoy them, and we can’t even make the time to sit down to eat in peace, there’s something wrong.

Mindful eating is not so much about what we eat as how we eat. I like to think of it as an art, made beautiful by variety, flavor, and understanding of the needs of our bodies and minds.

Here are some things to remember as you start on your mindful eating journey.

1. Not all “hunger” comes from the stomach. Appetite often triggers desire for food based on seeing or smelling a favorite food. Emotional hunger may stem from emotions like depression, anger, boredom, or tiredness. Brainstorm some helpful, lasting ways to deal with those feelings instead, such as taking a walk, calling a friend or family member, or listening to some music.
2. We are often drawn to foods that provide momentary pleasure, but then give us stomach cramps, headaches, and an energy crash later. Notice how foods affect you long-term, and take that into account when choosing what to eat.
3. It takes several bites of food before you notice a difference in the way your body feels, and it takes several minutes before your brain alerts you that your stomach is full. Eat slowly, and notice the way your whole body feels as your stomach gradually fills.
4. The extremes of being either too hungry or too full are unpleasant and avoidable. You can practice compassion toward your body by giving it what it needs when it needs it.

Like most worthwhile things, mindful eating is a journey, not a destination or an all-or-nothing venture. Start with simple steps, like setting an intention at the beginning of each meal, practicing self-compassion, or giving your full attention to your first and last bites. Check out this link for more information on mindful eating, including an exercise you can do at home to help guide you through the process.

Enjoy your food in order to be able to enjoy life itself more fully, but don’t let eating (or dieting) become the focus of your life.

Eat well, and choose to practice the art of nourishment.

For more information and guidance on how to eat well and feel well, contact your local VA to speak with a registered dietitian.

About the Author: Erica Golden is a clinical dietitian working in mental health, substance abuse, and eating disorders. She is passionate about helping people eat well and improve their relationships with food to live healthier, happier lives. Hobbies include distance running, cooking, international traveling with her husband, reading, and trying to teach her dog to play fetch.