This post is sponsored by Gerolsteiner USA and Fit Approach. All opinions are my own.
In this fast-paced world of digital technology and instant gratification, most of us have fallen into the habit of operating on auto-pilot. We go through the motions, we multi-task and we move at warp-speed. In short, we’ve lost our connections to ourselves and others. I’ll admit, I’m often guilty of this myself. In Nutrition School, I learned about the power of mindfulness so even on my most crazy days, I’ll often catch myself and try to slow things down even if just for a moment. In addition to my daily meditation, I make it a big point to practice mindful eating.
Many of us may barely get to squeeze in a meal, much less a long, leisurely one. We often eat quickly on the run, at a desk or in front of the television — habits that are difficult on overall health and digestion.
Yes, it’s tempting to dive right into your food the moment your plate hits the table, but challenge yourself to practice mindful eating with these simple tips that will remind you to slow down and experience true eating enjoyment from the many aspects of food. This is best practiced with wholesome, nutritious foods.
Sight
Before digging in, look at the food and truly see it. Notice the color and think about where its origins like the sea or the earth.
Smell
Take time to notice how the food smells and your body’s response. Digestion starts in the mouth so you may notice your mouth watering or maybe your stomach growling.
Taste
Slowly place the food in your mouth, still taking in the smell. Note the food’s texture and then chew slowly, beginning to taste the food. Identify what you taste – spicy, sweet, sour, bland, juicy, dry – there are hundreds of ways to describe a food’s taste.
Texture
Put your fork or spoon down. Continue chewing the food until it has liquefied (this should take 30-50 chews). Count the chews and again, notice how the texture changes as you chew. When you are ready to swallow, do so slowly, take a few deep breaths and sit in a moment of silence.
Hydration
Mindful eating applies to hydration too. The human body is 70 percent water. However, up to 70 percent of the US population is chronically dehydrated. Your body needs water for digestion, to stay cool, to repair and regenerate cells, to keep blood pumping and to flush out toxins.
One of the best ways to experience complete hydration is with Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water. Gerolsteiner is bottled in Germany right at the source of one of the world’s most natural mineral waters – Volcanic Eifel. Not only is the water refreshing and thirst-quenching, but it’s naturally high in minerals (2,500 mg per liter!) like calcium, magnesium and bicarbonate which provide essential nutrients for optimal functioning and a strong, healthy body.
Personally, I’m particular about my mineral water and find that Gerolsteiner doesn’t have that salty taste like other mineral waters do – the mineralization is well-balanced that it tastes crisp and clean.
The Sparkling Detox Challenge
Along with Gerolsteiner, I’m inviting you to join me for the Sparkling Detox Challenge. It’s easy – commit to the Gerolsteiner Sparkling Detox Challenge from August 27-31. The premise of the challenge is to enjoy a balanced and healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, healthy eating and self-care or time to relax and rejuvenate. Replace all your usual beverages like soda, juice, alcohol and coffee with 1.5 – 2 liters of Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water for five days. As a bonus, include my mindful eating tips at the start of each meal.
The goal of the detox is to learn short, effective strategies that you can actually maintain to create a healthier lifestyle after the detox is over. Sign up to join the detox and enter to win a case of Gerolsteiner Sparkling Mineral Water to fuel your Sparkling Detox Challenge at https://goo.gl/jVuYih with code MARISSA18.
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