Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend

Personalize and make it your own. I also add cardamom.

Mindful Eating

Food goes far beyond satiating hunger at meal times. Providing our bodies with the nutrients it needs to thrive is a very special ritual — one that should be treated special.

Creating your eating ritual to be one of mindfulness and honor is the key to a healthy relationship with food.

Practicing mindful eating not only transforms your health, but your relationship with the foods you ingest, as well. Follow the steps below for eating more mindfully...

• BREATHE 

In our daily hustle and bustle, we sometimes forget to slow down and enjoy our meals. Slowing down helps you to become more aware of your experience, increasing the mindfulness of your task.

Pay attention to your breathing throughout your meals. Take the time to breathe deeply. Deep breathing helps with combating stress, which is a crucial component to your overall health. Ingesting your food with mindfulness will aid in healthy digestion, which will in turn increase your eating experience.

• EAT WELL 

It is truly incredible the benefits our bodies reap when we eat well and mindfully.

The state of your mindset while eating holds as much importance as the quality of food you put into your body. Eating with sadness and anxiety will have a different impact on your digestion and nourishment as eating the same meal with gratitude and love.

While making healthy food choices is incredibly important — be mindful of the state of your mindset each time you eat.

• CHEW YOUR FOOD 

A great way to cut down on digestive issues such as bloating & constipation is to chew your food thoroughly. This practice also aids in mindful eating and assists in appreciating every bite to the fullest extent.

Chew your food well. Chew each bite until it is completely broken down, allowing your digestive tract to not have to tackle the job.

• FORGIVE YOURSELF WITH FOOD 

At times, we all make choices with our meals that we may not be proud of. It is crucial for you to forgive yourself, and move on. It is time to ditch the mindset that is not serving you!

To help with making less of these kind of choices, ask yourself before every meal if what you have prepared will serve you to reach your goal of optimal health. This worked for me in the past.

• LISTEN TO YOUR BODY 

When you feel hunger approaching, stop and ask yourself what your body is asking for. What does it need for nourishment?

Ask what would give you energy; what would sustain you, what would make you feel satisfied and well nourished. Is it asking for a raw salad, or something more warming?

When you get this tip under wraps, your eating experience will change tremendously. Your body knows what it needs deep within its core — listen to it.