🍽️ Mindful Eating: Take the time to enjoy each meal
Mindful eating is a practice that transforms the simple act of eating into a more enriching and attentive experience. It involves being fully present and engaged with the process of eating, from observing the colors and textures of your food to savoring each bite and acknowledging how it makes you feel. This approach can significantly enhance your relationship with food, leading to improved digestion, increased meal satisfaction, and a stronger likelihood of adhering to your meal plan. Here’s a deeper look into the benefits and strategies of mindful eating:
Benefits of Mindful Eating
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Enhanced Digestion: Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly gives your digestive system the time it needs to properly break down food, which can help in nutrient absorption and may reduce digestive discomfort.
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Increased Satisfaction: By focusing on the taste, texture, and aroma of your food, you're likely to find meals more satisfying. This heightened sense of satisfaction can help reduce cravings and prevent overeating.
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Better Emotional Relationship with Food: Mindful eating encourages you to appreciate food as nourishment rather than something you consume mindlessly. This can help you develop a healthier emotional relationship with eating.
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Improved Self-Regulation: Becoming more attuned to your body's hunger and fullness cues allows for better self-regulation, which is crucial for maintaining a balanced diet and supporting weight management efforts.
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Reduction in Stress Eating: By practicing mindfulness, you can become more aware of emotional triggers that lead to stress eating and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Fast Breaker: Cottage Cheese with Cinnamon and Flaxseeds
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Ingredients:
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1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
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1 tablespoon flaxseeds
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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Optional: a few drops of stevia or erythritol for sweetness
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Instructions:
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In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with cinnamon and sweetener if using.
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Sprinkle flaxseeds on top.
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Serve chilled.
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Macros:
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Calories: ~200
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Carbs: 8g
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Protein: 14g
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Fat: 8g
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Meal 1: Tuna Salad with Celery and Mayo
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Ingredients:
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1 can (5 ounces) tuna in water, drained
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably avocado oil mayo)
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1 stalk celery, finely chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Lettuce leaves for serving
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Instructions:
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In a bowl, mix the tuna, mayonnaise, and chopped celery. Season with salt and pepper.
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Serve the tuna salad on lettuce leaves.
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Macros:
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Calories: ~300
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Carbs: 2g
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Protein: 25g
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Fat: 20g
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Meal 2: Zucchini Noodles with Pesto Chicken
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Ingredients:
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2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
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1/2 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
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2 tablespoons pesto sauce
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
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Instructions:
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In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until tender but still firm.
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Add the cooked, shredded chicken and pesto sauce to the pan. Toss to combine and heat through.
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Season with salt and pepper. Serve garnished with Parmesan cheese if desired.
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Macros:
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Calories: ~400
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Carbs: 6g
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Protein: 35g
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Fat: 26g
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