Does mindful eating aid weight management and curb obesity?

When you eat do you sit at the table with minimal distractions? Do you pay attention to what you are actually putting in your mouth? Do you take notice of the smell, the texture and the flavours of your food as it hits your taste buds? Do you spend time chewing each mouthful, initiating the process of digestion and giving your stomach the chance to send a vital message to the brain that you are full? If you do all of these things, brilliant, well done but the chances are most of us don't! Mindful eating or eating with awareness is a great tool for weight management, may also reduce food cravings and improve portion control as well as lowering our risk of obesity.

People who eat quickly are more likely to weigh more” says psychologist Leslie Heinberg, PhD, MA.

Slow down, chew each mouthful at least 15-30 times, and don't wolf down your food. Each meal should take 30 minutes, giving your brain time to catch up. Put your cutlery down between mouthfuls. These small behaviour changes will help with overall weight management and overall health.

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