Do this one thing to eat less

 We recently explored the emotional connection behind comfort food cravings. While these foods bring back happy memories, sometimes they can lead to overeating.

So, how can you break the cycle and eat less without feeling deprived? The answer might surprise you: breathing.

The Power of a Breath

Taking a mindful breath before you eat might seem insignificant, but it can have a profound impact on your relationship with food. Our nervous system has two key branches:

• Sympathetic (fight-or-flight): This is activated during stress, hindering digestion and overall well-being.
• Parasympathetic (rest-and-digest): This promotes relaxation and optimal digestion.

By taking deep breaths before eating, you activate the parasympathetic system, leading to several benefits:

• Reduced Cortisol: Deep breathing lowers stress hormones, potentially boosting metabolism and improving digestion.
• Relaxation and Focus: A few mindful breaths can promote relaxation, allowing you to focus on the food in front of you, leading to greater enjoyment and preventing mindless overeating.
• Portion Control: Pausing to breathe slows you down and helps you reconnect with your hunger cues, making it easier to control portion sizes.

Mindful Breathing Eating Tips for Success

Here are some tips to incorporate mindful breathing into your eating habits:

• Sticky Note Reminder: Place a sticky note near your usual eating area as a reminder to breathe before each meal.
• Savor Every Bite: Slow down, appreciate the flavors and textures of your food. Explore fooditation.
• Present Moment Focus: Put away distractions like phones and focus on the act of eating.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues. Stop eating when comfortably full.

Let's Connect!

Ready to explore mindful eating and tackle comfort food cravings?

• DIY: Join us for our upcoming training on Find Your New Comfort Foods. Mar 29, 2024 03:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada).
• Group: Love group settings? Take a look at the upcoming Group Coaching Program (save 50% in March).
• Private: Accountability or private coaching might be just the right thing. 

Remember, food is more than just sustenance. Let's learn to eat mindfully, appreciate the act of eating, and create new, healthy food traditions.

Love your body through your daily food choices <3

Yours, Nadya