| Today's hectic lifestyles leave little time for eating | | | | meat tenderer. |
| properly, much less mindfully. Sadly, we consider | | | | Remember, nearly everything we eat originated |
| mindless eating, and eating on the go normal. How | | | | from living plants or animals, not from a plastic |
| many people when asked can quickly answer the | | | | package in the supermarket. Reflect on this and |
| question, "What did you eat for dinner last night?" | | | | honor their sacrifice while enjoying the nutritional |
| Mindfulness while eating or performing daily tasks | | | | benefits they provide. |
| is finally being recognized as an important part of | | | | Invite a lonely neighbor, troubled friend or |
| a healthy lifestyle. Eating mindfully helps you relax, | | | | someone you have been meaning to connect |
| while aiding digestion as you become aware of | | | | with, to help prepare and share a meal. With each |
| everything you put in your mouth. | | | | person performing a specific task, the |
| Here are a few suggestions for mindful eating: | | | | camaraderie, conversation, and meal could be |
| Preparing a meal for oneself or others is an act | | | | very inspiring! |
| of love. Eating should be a calm, almost meditative | | | | Set an attractive table with fresh cut flowers, |
| experience. See the colors on your plate more | | | | candles, cloth linens and soft music. |
| mindfully. Take small bites. Chew slowly savoring | | | | Take only the food you need to feel satisfied, |
| the taste and texture of each morsel. Quiet your | | | | instead of piling your plate. Eat slowly, savoring |
| mind and enjoy each moment. If you are with | | | | each bite. |
| others, enjoy your time together without rushing. | | | | Avoid demonizing food. You are in charge and |
| Include a medley of colorful foods to entice your | | | | must take responsibility for your behavior. |
| eyes and taste buds. Create your own mixed | | | | Enjoy small amounts of your favorite "forbidden" |
| vegetables. Combine broccoli, cauliflower, red | | | | treats occasionally, and in moderation. |
| pepper, carrots, corn and a handful of black beans | | | | Ignore advertisers claiming their miracle products |
| for rich nutrition and bold color. Steam vegetables | | | | will help you lose ten pounds or more in a few |
| until crisp tender, toss with your favorite flavored | | | | days. They are more interested in your wallet |
| vinegar, and top with sliced almonds or walnuts. | | | | than your well-being. Being overweight does not |
| Where possible, choose healthy, organic, locally | | | | happen overnight, and it is highly unlikely that you |
| grown and raised products such as free-range | | | | will lose it that quickly. Moderation and mindful |
| eggs. They are chemical free, contain nutrients | | | | eating are the keys to losing and maintaining a |
| vital to our health and well-being, and are kind to | | | | healthy weight. |
| the earth. According to recent reports, animals | | | | At the end of each meal, take a moment and |
| treated humanely, are less likely to be | | | | silently give thanks for your blessings. |
| traumatized at the time of slaughter, making their | | | | |