This Is So Challenging For Me

Something that is just so, so challenging for me to do is to eat mindfully. Like most things I do, I just dig in and attack. It’s just so hard for me to slow down – especially if I’m further distracted with talk at the dinner table or being out at a restaurant with all the stimulation there.

Often times, I’ll finish my food and feel like, where did it go? I barely tasted it. I wish I had more. That especially bums me out when I have taken some time and many steps to create a meal. I know I’ve heard that slowing down and using your senses when you eat helps to better send messages from your brain to your stomach, like “OK, I’m eating now…OK, I’m full now.” I think those messages end up in my “junk folder,” lol.

I know there are several tips out there for mindful eating. I’ll share with you my favorite. This comes from the book How to Train a Wild Elephant by Jan Chozen Bays, MD (also the author of Mindful Eating, which is on my list to read). Jan shares the tip to eat with your non-dominant hand. Whoa, is that ever a game-changer?! Turns out, it’s even harder for me to eat with my left hand than it is for me to plow mindlessly through a meal.

It’s not just about the physical challenge of using the wrong hand, though. It forces me to slow down and be more intentional with each bite. It also makes me more aware of the texture, taste, and temperature of my food in ways I normally wouldn’t notice. I have to really pay attention because, well, I’m not a natural lefty! It’s like training my brain to be present during the meal instead of just going on autopilot.

But I’ll be honest, it’s still a struggle! I’m getting better at it little by little, but it’s definitely a process. I’ve found that other small changes help too, like taking a few deep breaths before I start eating or setting down my fork between bites. It’s all part of the journey to a more mindful approach to eating.

How about you? Are you able to slow down and enjoy your meals? What’s your favorite mindful eating tip or trick? I’d love to hear how others tackle this challenge!