JOIN FREE!
  << Back to the Index
OP Contact Card Symbol

100 Days restart - Day 22: Multitask with food

Jenn J

Day 22: Multitask with food

To eat with awareness, you have to pay attention to what's in front of you. But that doesn't mean you can't focus on other things as well. If you're like most people, you probably multitask by working on the computer, talking on the phone, and doing laundry all at the same time.

Remember that you're eating

You don't have to completely avoid doing anything else in order to stay conscious around food. But you do have to pay attention to your actions. If you're doing other activities at the same time, remind yourself that you are eating and stay aware of what you put in your mouth.

Like having a two-year-old child in your house, you can learn to stay on constant alert even while you're busy with other things. With a little practice, you can stay focused on your food at the same time you engage in conversations or enjoy entertainment.

If you choose to eat while you're watching movies or TV, just don't become oblivious to your food. Instead, learn to divide your attention between the screen and your plate.

Awareness training

Here's a great exercise for improving awareness around food. Choose a meal, snack, or even a piece of fruit, and then sit down with it on a plate in front of you. Study the food for a minute or two. Breathe in the smell, observe the colors, and notice the patterns in the food.

Then take a bite, paying attention to the flavor, the texture, and the way it feels in your mouth. Chew it slowly, and let yourself fully enjoy the experience of eating.

Now look for ways to challenge your awareness. Take a large bite and swallow it fast, pretending you're on the run. Next, pick up the plate and carry it around the room. Eat a few bites while you watch TV or look outdoors. Then sit back down and focus entirely on the food again.

Notice how, when you work at it, you're able to maintain total awareness of your food, regardless of the situation. Repeat this exercise a few times until you're able to stay focused on eating, no matter what's going on around you.

TODAY'S TASKS:

Do a conscious eating exercise with someone such as your spouse, a friend, or one of your children.

Intentionally create several distractions such as watching TV or having a conversation, but stay totally aware of your food intake.

Write a few sentences in your journal to describe what you learned from this experience.

  Lyn💛 Replied:

  flower Replied:

Great one ~` I love the taste of good food

  Jeanne- CE! Replied:

Great ideas for multitaskers, of which I am the queen.

The opinions expressed on this forum may not represent the opinions of StartYourDiet.com. Please consult your physician to determine the weight, nutrition and exercise levels that are best for you.