Welcome back to "Remaining Calm Through October." Now, I know, it might not be anywhere near October when you're tuning in, and that's perfectly okay because these calming tips are valuable whenever you are listening in.
I'm Karin Del Maestro, your host for this 31-day series. I'm a Health and Calmness Coach, a Breast Cancer and BRCA2 Thriver. My goal with this series is to provide you with tools to navigate challenging times, whether it's October or any other month.
Today, we're diving into the wonderful world of mindful eating.
It's not just about eating, it's about being present with your food, fully engaging your senses. This practice involves savoring every bite, focusing on taste, texture, and smell. It's also about paying attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues and identifying emotional triggers without judgment.
Now, let's explore five fantastic benefits of mindful eating, especially for breast cancer survivors:
1. Better Nutritional Choices:
Mindful eating prompts us to slow down and savor each bite. It helps us make healthier food choices by being aware of what's on our plate. This practice encourages nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, supporting your overall health and well-being.
2. Improved Digestion:
Mindful eating isn't just about taste; it's about chewing your food thoroughly. Chewing each mouthful around 30 times can aid digestion, reducing issues like bloating, gas, and constipation. It's especially helpful if you have digestive problems or IBS.
3. Stress Reduction:
Mindful eating promotes relaxation during meals. It makes you more aware of how fast-paced situations can affect your eating habits. It's essential for reducing chronic stress, which can have a negative impact on your immune system and overall well-being.
4. Portion Control:
Being in tune with your body's hunger and fullness cues helps you manage portion sizes. This is particularly valuable if you're concerned about weight management due to breast cancer treatment or medication side effects. It's a mindful way to address your relationship with food.
5. Changing Your Relationship with Food:
As we navigate through breast cancer treatment and beyond, it's crucial to address emotional eating. Mindful eating helps change your relationship with food, reducing emotional eating. It provides a safe space to discuss and manage your emotional triggers related to eating.
**Calm Action of the Day:**
Today, your calm action is to practice mindful eating during your next meal. Savor each bite, paying attention to the look and smell of your food. Chew each mouthful around 30 times before swallowing. Be mindful of your hunger cues and whether you're still hungry. Make this a gentle exploration, free of judgment.
And remember, if you need extra support, I'm offering 30-minute one-on-one sessions this October as my gift to you. You can find the booking link here:https://calendly.com/coach-karin/30min
Let's connect, and together, we can work on a plan to guide you forward.
Have a beautifully calm day, practice mindful eating, and explore the wonderful benefits it brings to your well-being. Thanks for joining me, and I'll catch you in the next episode.