Food is powerful, but we give it more power than it deserves sometimes. Sneaking a donut mid-day in front of our computers or standing in the middle of the kitchen late at night indulging in ice cream straight out of the carton, we think we are being so bad! We think we’re enjoying too much pleasure in our food. But when we’re constantly eating with distractions and not connecting with our food, it’s hardly an expression of genuine pleasure. We think the donut and the ice cream are the problems, but the real problem is how we’re eating it that has the biggest impact.

You probably think that to end the craziness with food you have to be really disciplined with food. And so many experts will tell you the same thing: you need to be watchful and mindful to avoid your “trigger foods.” You must be “strong” when your cravings feel like monsters inside of you and defeat them at all costs. But, I’m here to tell you that you just need to do things differently: so, go ahead and eat the damn donut!

Food is meant to be enjoyed. We love food, right? But would you rush through or multi-task with other things you love? If you love yoga, would you talk on your cell phone through the whole class? Or if you love sex, would you read a book at the same time? Of course not! So why are we treating our love for food this way?

The big question is, how do we begin to enjoy food in ways that won’t harm us? The secret is to eat without distractions. Begin to put your attention on the act of eating, without making distractions for yourself. You’ll find that you will naturally eat less and feel more satisfied because you are really enjoying it!

Here are four steps to take the next time you are ready to take a bite, no matter what it is:

1. Stop for a minute and say to yourself, “I am going to eat this and I’m going to enjoy it!”

2. Find a place with no distractions — no driving, reading, watching television or checking emails. I suggest eating at the table or somewhere with a nice view.

3. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, smile, and take a bite.

4. Chew, breathe, and savor. Really savor it the way you would savor anything else you really enjoyed.

When you start doing this, amazing changes will start to happen. You’ll notice your portions will naturally get smaller, without trying. Your cravings and digestion will begin to shift. You will soon realize that you may not truly enjoy some things you always have and find a new love for foods you didn’t appreciate as much before. And soon, you’ll feel calm and pleasure in eating.

If you want more action steps and recommendations to get even further out of Body Jail, click here to check out my free online workshop to help you. It is my non-diet approach to Live More, Weigh Less and Feel Amazing In Your Body NOW.

Love,

Sarah

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