MASTERING THE ART OF MINDFUL EATING

We eat to fuel our bodies, but the food we eat also fuels our inner world – the thoughts, feelings and beliefs that make up who we are. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that mindful eating can result in a more positive outlook on daily life.

- Sharon D'Silva

The buzzword in the health and nutrition landscape for the past few years, mindful eating involves paying attention to what you’re putting into your body while being fully aware of the effect it has on your body and mind. It emphasises savouring and fully absorbing the flavours, textures, and fragrances of food. This enjoyment is a crucial component of self-love, as it enables you to honour your body’s need for pleasure and to find joy in nourishment.

WHAT WE EAT AFFECTS OUR OVERALL HEALTH

You’ve probably heard the phrase “you are what you eat” countless times. A mainstay in discussions about diet, health and the indisputable link between food and our bodies, it is one of those phrases that can quite literally be taken as is.

One of the principal gifts we can give ourselves, food has the potential to heal and nourish us so that we can perform our best in life. However, depending on what we eat and how often, it could also be detrimental to our wellbeing. “When we are in a healthy state of mind, we eat as per the body’s needs, but, when our mental state is disturbed, we try to fill emotional voids with food,” reveals Suman Agarwal, Mumbai-based founder and chief nutritionist of SelfCare by Suman. “This causes a vicious cycle of overeating and inviting various diseases. ‘We are what we eat’ holds true no matter which century we are in.” She adds that, while food is a major part of our cultural association and identity, it is important to strike a balance between preserving traditions and embracing the evolving science of nutrition. Only by fostering awareness, education and respectful dialogue can we encourage a healthier approach to food that combines the best of both worlds.