Have you ever watched a great movie while mindlessly eating snacks, only to realize at the end that you’ve consumed way too much? This is a classic example of mindless eating—when we eat without paying attention, often consuming more than intended and missing out on fully enjoying our food.

In contrast, mindful eating is about consciously choosing what and how much to eat, savoring every bite. This means focusing on the sensory experience of eating—sight, smell, taste, texture, and even sound—while eliminating distractions like TV or phones. Mindful eating helps us enjoy our food more, reduces overeating, and supports better digestion.

For example, during a mindfulness workshop, I participated in a "chocolate challenge," where we used all five senses to slowly enjoy a small piece of chocolate over 10 minutes. This exercise was eye-opening: I felt more satisfied with a tiny piece of chocolate than I would have with mindless snacking. It reinforced how slowing down can enhance our relationship with food.

Mindful eating doesn’t mean you always choose healthy foods. It’s about consciously enjoying indulgences, like a piece of cake at a wedding, without guilt. It’s also about identifying triggers—like seeing a candy dish or smelling fresh bread—that lead to impulsive eating, and finding ways to manage them, such as keeping healthy options in sight instead.

To practice mindful eating, try the 5-Minute Chocolate Challenge. Choose a favorite food, engage all your senses, and stretch the experience to five minutes or longer. Reflect on how it felt—did it change your enjoyment of the food? It may feel unnatural at first, but with practice, mindful eating can transform your habits and improve your overall health and satisfaction.

Good luck with the challenge! Share your experience and thoughts on my Facebook page—I’d love to hear from you.

www.facebook.com/DeliberateAging