Friday, August 7, 2009

The Challenge

It's been a couple weeks since I began this blog, and now, my devoted, health conscious readers, I have a challenge for you. It won't sound like much, but trust me, if you take this challenge you will catch yourself, well...

Okay, here's the deal. This is just one small step towards mindful eating, albeit an important one. Did you read yesterday's blog about the importance of sitting while you eat? Well, today I challenge you to do this exclusively from now until Monday. Not only do I want you to be sitting, but you must not be driving. 

Easy enough, right? Be aware of what happens when you make the choice to do this. My experience was eye-opening. I found myself biting into a granola bar after working out, standing and talking. I found myself walking through the kitchen, picking some grapes off a vine, and popping them into my mouth. I found myself tasting food while cooking, and while baking. And this was just the beginning. I threw back a handful of almonds while walking down to the pool, and ate a banana while folding laundry.

In the office supply store with my son (who is also supposed to eat while sitting), we stood on line eating pretzels. In the supermarket, my ("Mom! I'm) starving" son began to eat a piece of string cheese. Seeing how often we ate mindlessly, and on the move, has amazed me.

I'm curious to see what your experience is with this. Please give this challenge a try, and then post your experience as a comment at the bottom of this blog. I appreciate your commitment to the challenge and your honest feedback.

Tiffany Palisi is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Lifestyle Fitness Coach, and Group Fitness Instructor. She has extensive training in Pre- and Post-Natal Fitness, and is a Johnny G certified Spinning Instructor. She trains women in their home, and will be doing Lifestyle Fitness Coaching in her home office (and by telephone) beginning in September. Palisi works exclusively with women.

2 comments:

  1. Realized some interesting things from this challenge. First, does standing count? I was able not to run around and eat but I did notice I would mostly stand and not sit. Although, I would sit down for dinner with my family (we always do that). Another thing I noticed I was not "tasting" the food while consuming. I found myself on the next task I needed to take care of instead of enjoying the flavors and the food I was eating. It really brought to my attention how little attention I give to the food while eating it. I am now making it a priority to be more mindful and to remember to be in the moment even when eating! Thanks!

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  2. Congratulations on taking the challenge and thank you for sharing your results.

    Standing counts. I think most busy adults tend to eat standing (while cooking, on the phone, waiting for the next task). Best to sit when you eat and make that time (5 minutes, 20 minutes, whatever) sacred time. Focus on your body, breathe and eat slowly, relax.

    To take it to the next level, think about each bite. Think about the texture, how the food feels in your mouth. Is it salty or sweet? Does it taste earthy or processed? What purpose is it serving in your body? Do you like the way it tastes? All these questions will help you become a more mindful eater.

    While I still *throw back* an occasional sugary snack, I find myself eating more healthy foods now, because I know that it is actually going into my body. Sounds funny, but we don't often think about the fact that the food is entering our (sacred) bodies. We react to wants, and cues, and just pick things up and pop them into our mouths. When we think, we usually make better choices that we imagine we might otherwise.

    Good luck and continue to your mindful eating. I believe that you will become more familiar with it. Now, when I don't sit and focus on my food, it's uncomfortable.

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