Even if you may be eat the healthiest, most balanced diet possible, there’s a chance that your eating habits are cmpletely off.
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We now pay close attention to what we put on our plate , which is a wonderful change. The first step to living a better, more conscientious lifestyle is to be aware of what we put into our bodies. Even if we’ve figured out the “what,” it’s still crucial to pay attention to the “how.”
If you’re someone who stays on top of your fitness game, you’ve undoubtedly taken advise from well-known nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, who is a major proponent of mindful eating, at some time. She frequently stresses how important it is to put your phone and other distractions away when eating. It turns out that there are several health benefits to this straightforward action, with weight loss being only one of them.
The significance of eating with awareness
Eating mindfully involves more than just enjoying every mouthful; it also involves giving meals your whole attention. We often make better meal choices and feel more satisfied when we take our time and focus on what we’re eating. By identifying hunger cues, mindfulness aids in improved digestion and helps us avoid overindulging.
“When we’re aware of the eating process, we chew our food properly, focus on how much our body actually needs, and avoid overeating,” says Lakshika Vaid, a yoga instructor and lifestyle coach based in Delhi. We examine the substances to determine their suitability for our health. We can only be aware when we are fully absorbed in our meal and not straying from it to check our phones, laptops, or TV. In an ideal world, we wouldn’t even chat while eating—all attention should be directed toward the food.
Lakshika also points out that eating habits have a big impact on people’s moods, even if they are unable to purchase a well-balanced or healthful meal and are only consuming what is provided to them or what they can prepare.
“It’s crucial to recognize your hunger before a meal, particularly in this day and age when we tend to overeat. Frequently, we consume our next meal without truly feeling hungry since we are so full. If you truly feel hungry, your food will be taken into your body more fully even if it isn’t a balanced meal. On the other hand, if you eat a balanced meal when you’re not hungry, it could not be adequately absorbed by your body and turned into energy,” the speaker continues.
ties amongst people at the table
The joint family was once considered to be a characteristic of an Indian home. Mealtimes were lively events, with families staying together and sharing a single kitchen. This custom progressively disappeared as nuclear families replaced joint families, to the point that many households now seldom ever interact, not even at mealtimes.
The advantages haven’t truly changed, even though the practice may have waned. Our wellness can be greatly impacted by dining with others. Eating meals together promotes communication and deepens relationships.
According to studies, families that have a meal together are more likely to have stronger bonds and healthier eating habits.
“In Indian culture, community dining is more than just sharing a meal—it’s about connecting with others and eating mindfully, both of which are great for our physical and emotional health,” explains Deepali Sharma, a clinical nutritionist at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi. In addition to aiding in digestion and nutritional absorption, sharing food in a casual, group environment preserves cultural customs. Eating meals together improves the family’s general well-being, emotional comfort, and sense of belonging, which fosters stronger relationships and a happier home environment.
In addition to being extremely beneficial to the body and mind, Lakshika emphasizes how food, not only in Indian culture but also globally, can unite people. It fortifies bonds and friendships by bringing people together. As a result, communal dining is essential to creating and preserving these relationships.
The mind-body connection to eating
Our eating habits are influenced by our perceptions of food, including whether we see it as a source of stress, pleasure, or sustenance. Unhealthy eating habits, such as emotional eating or restricted diets, can be brought on by negative feelings like guilt or worry. Having a healthy connection with food is essential for both a balanced diet and general contentment.
Our feelings throughout the meal are important. According to Lakshika, eating when upset or depressed might hinder the body’s ability to produce the necessary hormones and enzymes to properly absorb the nutrients and get the greatest benefits from the meal.
Environmental effects.
According to Dr. V. Malathi, nutrition and dietetics specialist at Rainbow Children’s Hospital in Marathahalli, Bengaluru, our eating habits and environment might affect the foods we choose to consume and the amounts of food we eat. Eating while rushing or in front of the TV frequently results in mindless eating, in which we eat more than we need to without appreciating the meal. Making a special, quiet place to dine might help us pay closer attention to what and how much we eat.
How to handle food more kindly
Lakshika Vaid suggests that humans have a more meaningful and comprehensive relationship with food than just eating it. “I suggest going to an organic farm to select your own veggies and occasionally bring them home for a genuinely meaningful culinary experience. This isn’t something we can do every day because of our hectic schedules and occupations, but it’s something we should absolutely attempt doing with our kids whenever we get the chance.”
She further says, “Alternatively, creating a small kitchen garden at home where you grow your own herbs or vegetables can help the younger generation connect with food in a much more personal way.
Vaid says that in the kitchen, where mindfulness is key, the relationship with food continues. “When you’re preparing your meals, you bring a certain awareness to what you’re eating, why you’re eating it, and how nutritious it is for your body,” she adds.
In addition, Vaid emphasizes the significance of mood and surroundings in the kitchen: “The kitchen should have a tidy, orderly, and happy ambiance. As the meal cooks, this energy is transferred to it, giving the entire process a lot more significance.”
