Science says: This eating habit makes you smarter and can be applied by everyone
Just be honest, we all sometimes feel guilty about this: eating as if your life depends on it and not even realizing what exactly you are putting in your mouth. Maybe that's because you're in a hurry, the food is too delicious to leave it for long, or because you're distracted by your phone or the TV. It can happen to the best of us, but it's not very healthy. Research shows that eating quickly and unconsciously is bad for your digestion, weight management, and even for your psyche. Researchers recommend teaching yourself a eating habit where you inhale your food a little less quickly and appreciate it all the more: mindful eating.
Mindful eating is a eating habit that revolves around becoming aware of what you eat, how you eat, and how you nourish your body. Instead of eating quickly or being distracted during the meal, mindful eating focuses on being in the moment, using your senses, and giving yourself the time to enjoy your meal. By concentrating on what you eat and how you feel while eating, you can develop a deeper understanding of your hunger feelings, eating habits, and the relationship you have with food. The goal of mindful eating is to create both physical and mental health benefits, recognize when you are full, and develop a better relationship with food.
Mindful eating can be done in many different ways, but it all starts with the same thing: taking the time for your meals by ensuring that you are not distracted while eating. So turn off your TV and put your phone aside for a moment. Take small bites and chew slowly to fully absorb the flavors and textures of the food. Also take the time to pause during the meal and listen to your body to determine if you are still hungry or if you are satisfied, and try not to listen to that eternal bottomless pit (guilty) that tells you that your plate must be empty. By giving yourself these pauses, you can learn to listen better to your body, become more aware of how you feel, and avoid that moment of regret when you unconsciously eat way too much and end up feeling bloated for the rest of the evening.
By being engaged with your food in this way, you create many health benefits that you may not have even thought of. Of course, it makes sense that eating more slowly and consciously works wonders for your digestion, keeps your weight in check, and helps you get to know your body better. But mindful eating also really makes you smarter and can enhance your stress resilience. Here's how: because mindful eating is about being fully present in the moment, it can improve concentration and reduce distractions. This can help reduce stress and create a sense of calm and tranquility. Moreover, regularly practicing mindful eating can teach you to control yourself and your impulses, which can help improve your concentration and focus in other aspects of life. Various studies have also shown that regularly practicing mindful eating can improve brain function. For example, it can lead to better cognitive flexibility, which helps with problem-solving and decision-making.
The next time you feel the urge to gulp down your plate of pasta in three bites: lean back, take a deep breath, and enjoy your meal slowly, bite by bite. There is no easier way to boost your IQ.
Source: Very Well Mind
