How Mindfulness Saved My Snack Attacks
A Journey to Mindful Eating
Ever found yourself knee-deep in a bag of chips or drowning in a sea of peanut butter cups without even realizing how you got there? Yeah, been there, done that. But let me tell you, there's a little trick I've picked up along the way that might just turn your snack time into a moment of self-discovery.
So, picture this: you're cruising home from work, stressed out from the day's events, and suddenly that insatiable craving hits you. Salty, sweet, whatever it is, it's calling your name louder than your GPS. But before you surrender to the mindless munch, take a breath. Seriously, just one or two deep breaths. It sounds simple, but trust me, it works wonders.
Pause for a moment, acknowledge your feelings, and offer yourself compassion.
You see, that urge to eat mindlessly? It's often a sneaky little signal from your subconscious that something deeper is going on. Maybe it's stress, anxiety, or just a general case of the blahs. But by pausing for a moment, acknowledging those feelings, and offering yourself a little compassion, you can actually override the autopilot snacking mode. It's what I like to call "surfing the urge."
Now, full disclosure: sometimes I still dive headfirst into that bag of chips despite my best intentions. And you know what? That's okay too. The key is to forgive yourself, show yourself some love, and move forward with a little more awareness next time.
But here's the real game-changer: a regular mindfulness practice. I'm talking about carving out some time each day to just be with yourself and your thoughts. It might sound intimidating, but trust me, it's worth it.
Mindfulness is a superpower for your brain.
Think of mindfulness as a superpower for your brain. It strengthens your ability to recognize those pesky cravings and urges before they hijack your snack time. And it's not about being perfect—heck, even being aware 50% of the time would be a win! It's about slowing down, tuning in, and savoring the beauty of the present moment.
I learned this lesson the hard way, back when I was teaching fast-paced yoga classes that felt more like a race than a relaxation session. But as I slowed down my practice and embraced the art of mindfulness, my life transformed. Suddenly, I had more time, more joy, and a whole lot more gratitude.
One book that really opened my eyes to the power of mindfulness is "Daring to Rest" by Karen Brody. It introduced me to the practice of Yoga Nidra, a form of guided meditation that's like a spa day for your soul. And let me tell you, sharing that practice with my students at the Eating Recovery Center and Mood and Anxiety Center has been a game-changer.
Take a moment to pause, breathe, and check in with yourself.
Photo by Max van den Oetelaar
So, the next time you find yourself reaching for that mindless snack, take a moment to pause, breathe, and check in with yourself. Who knows? You might just uncover a whole new world of self-discovery, one mindful bite at a time.
Struggling with disordered eating? Our Eat for Life Course combines mindfulness techniques with practical strategies to help you find balance and healing. Take the first step towards recovery – enroll today!
