In search of lifelong health, happiness, and well-being, there is a need for each and every earthling to look inward, and reassess their eating habits.
What you eat, when you eat it, and how you consume your daily nourishment not only has a profound impact on your long-term physical and mental health, but also on the world around you.
Remember, there is mindless eating and there is mindful eating, the former meaning that you are consuming food without listening to your body or caring about the impact your eating habits have on the rest of the world.
Mindful eating, on the other hand, is the process of healthy nourishment, for your body, and your surroundings.
By practicing the art of mindful eating on a daily basis, you can elevate your overall health, support healthy processes in the body, and support all of your other hobbies such as exercise, meditation, and more.
With that in mind, here are the five tips that will help you introduce mindful eating into your everyday life.
It all starts with a plant-based diet
The first step towards becoming a mindful eater is to reassess your current eating habits, starting with the foods you consume on a daily basis.
It’s no secret that a big contributor to climate change and global warming is the prevalence of meat and dairy products in our homes – much more than we actually need or should consume.
In fact, research has shown time and time again that a plant-based diet is not only healthy for you, but the environment as well.
But in order to adopt a plant-based diet as an inextricable part of your life, you need to make a gradual shift towards healthy eating.
Start by eliminating all unhealthy foods such as artificial sweeteners, and processed foods from your living environment. Next, introduce a meatless Monday, for example, and work towards replacing meat and dairy products with healthier plant-based options.
What you will discover almost instantly is that you’re feeling more energized, positive, and healthier than before.
Listen to your body and don’t overeat
When was the last time you consciously made the decision to stop eating before you got too full?
You know, before you had to loosen up your pants and before you started feeling sick?
The truth is that most of the time, we simply don’t know when to stop, because we are not being mindful of the feasting ritual, we are instead acting on our primal instinct – survival. Don’t worry, you won’t starve if you skip seconds.
Instead, you will find that actively monitoring your body’s signals and acting on them when they appear can be tremendously rewarding.
This is also a good way to achieve your weight loss goals or prevent unwanted weight gain, simply because you know when you’ve had enough.
No need to count your calories, and no need to use fancy fitness apps, just be in the zone when you’re eating and you’ll be fine.
Elevate your well-being with natural supplements
Eating a plant-based diet is extremely rewarding, it’s good for the environment, and it’s good for your long-term health.
But like with any other diet plan, you need to be mindful of what your body needs and what it might be lacking, and supplement accordingly.
Keep in mind that all foods have their unique bioavailability rating, meaning that not all vitamins, minerals, or macronutrients you eat will make it into your system.
That’s okay, that just means that you need to supplement with a few key ingredients. Mindful eaters should be careful to research brands such as Bulk Nutrients that offer vegan and vegetarian-friendly supplements that are free of any meat or dairy products and by-products, in order to help support their healthy lifestyle as well as the preservation of the natural world around them.
Depending on your specific needs, you can choose to supplement with plant-based protein to support your post-workout recovery process, or you can use vegan-friendly vitamins and minerals for general well-being.
Stick to a healthy eating schedule
Many people like to think that intuitive eating also means that they should eat whenever they feel like it.
While it is true that you should listen to your body, it’s also important that you create a healthy eating schedule that will allow you to enjoy your meals, feel sated throughout the day, and refrain from indulging in unhealthy substitutes in the middle of the night.
Fortunately, this is quite easy to do.
First, schedule your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These are your main meals, and will contain most of your daily nutrients.
Next, be sure to schedule your morning and afternoon snacks that will keep you full and nourished in between meals.
Keep your snacks light and packed with protein, and be sure to prep your meals whenever you can in order to avoid reaching for fast food.
Consider where your food is coming from
A big part of mindful eating is knowing where your food is coming from.
It’s not just about eating healthy plants in order to minimize the impact of the meat and dairy industries, it’s also about making sure that the foods you are eating are derived from sustainable sources, in an environmentally-conscious way.
Be sure to visit the local farmers’ markets and find products that have been made and grown by local farmers and artisans – this way you will not only support the local economy, but the environmental cause as well.
Be grateful and appreciate your food
And lastly, mindful eating is about gratitude.
The cosmos and all of its elements have worked hard to bring you all of this healthy food and nourishment, so be sure to express your gratitude with a daily mantra that will imbue your mind and spirit with peace, positivity, and happiness.
By repeating this mantra before every meal, you will become more aware of the natural world around you, and you will become inspired to contribute to the preservation of Mother Earth.
Final Thoughts
Mindful eating is deeply intertwined with physical, emotional, and spiritual health, but it also has a vital role to play in the long-term preservation of the natural world around us. Use these tips to develop this healthy habit yourself, and elevate your lifelong health while allowing Nature to thrive.
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As a founder and chief author at InsightState.com, Bulgarea Candin helps readers on their spiritual journeys. His writings are designed to inspire creativity and personal growth, guiding readers on their journey to a more fulfilled and enlightened life.