Mindful Eating

Rushing your food and snacking on the run - or in front of a TV or computer screen - almost ceratinly leads to overeating. Mindful eating - taking your time and genunely relishing each bite - curbs your desire to eat more than you need. With its origins in Buddhist teaching, it isn't about dieting or giving up foods, but rather about experiencing food more intensely. Try paying attention to the colours, smells, textures, flavours, temperatures and even the sounds (crunch!).

• When you eat, just eat. Turn off electronic gadgets and concentrate on what is in front of you.
• Take a (small) bite of food, then put daown your knife and fork.
• Chew patiently and contemplate the flavour and texture of your food, aiming for 25 to 30 chews for each mouthful.
• Put flowers and candles on the table before dinner to create a calm, unhurried environment.
• Try making it a regular habit - set aside one sit-down meal each week as an experiment in mindfulness.

Good Housekeeping, October 2013