Mindful eating is the practice of developing an awareness of how food affects your body, mind, feelings, and overall well-being.
When you eat, are you paying attention to your food? Take the time to taste your food, making note of the flavors and textures. This will help increase your moment-to-moment awareness and appreciation of the present, which reduces stress throughout the day.
Mindful Eating Tips to Manage Stress
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Your bed is not your breakfast table. Developing a habit of eating in bed can trick your mind into associating your bed with tasks other than sleeping. This association often leads to difficulty falling asleep, resulting in decreased physical and mental well-being Consider reserving your bed for sleep and sexual activity so when you get into bed it triggers sleep rather than other stimuli like eating.
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Plan your plate. Feel like you never have time to eat during the day and then end up over-eating late at night? Try taking time to schedule meals and snacks into your daily routine. Stop by a dining hall between classes or pack food to bring with you. This can increase your energy and focus throughout the day.
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Resorting to Ramen? When we’re stressed or busy, making balanced food choices can feel like less of a priority. Instead of resorting to less nutritious options, try adding ingredients, like frozen veggies, to your favorite “quick meal”, like ramen. This will add a variety of nutrients to your diet which helps promote overall health and well-being.
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Feeding your emotions? Strong cravings often come when we are feeling stressed, bored or emotional even if we aren’t truly hungry. Instead of only turning to food, try finding other ways to feed your feelings. Practice different self-care techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, or reaching out to a trusted friend for support to satisfy your emotional needs.
Feeling stuck with microwave meals?
WELLWVU teamed up with WVU's Registered Dietitian, to bring together some balanced recipes that you can cook directly in your microwave. Whether you’re living on campus in our residence halls or in an off campus apartment, you’ll find the recipes useful and, hopefully, delicious!
WVU has our own registered dietitian
If you are interested in learning more or if you would like to set up your own nutrition counseling appointment, see dietitian information at WVU Dining Services.
For more information about mindful eating, review health and wellness resources on the Dining Services website.