🧠 Mindfulness Basics
What does mindfulness mean?
Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment. It is being aware of our thoughts, feelings, and what is happening in our body right now, without judging ourselves or trying to change anything.
How many senses are used in mindful eating?
Mindful eating uses all five senses: sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. Using our senses helps us slow down and fully experience our food.
Which sense helps you hear the crunch when you chew?
Hearing. Listening to the sounds of eating helps us stay present and more aware during meals.
Does hunger get stronger or weaker over time?
Stronger. If we do not eat, the body continues to send hunger signals to remind us it needs fuel.
This habit can prevent overeating and allows our bodies time to recognize fullness.
What is eating slowly?
Name one health benefit of mindfulness.
Mindfulness can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also improve physical health, such as managing pain and supporting heart health, and help people feel more calm and balanced overall.
True or False: Mindful eating is only about losing weight.
False. Mindful eating is not just about weight. It is about building a healthier relationship with food, listening to your body, enjoying meals more, and supporting both physical and emotional health.
This sense helps you notice the scent of freshly baked cookies.
What is smell?
When even foods you usually don’t like sound good, what is that a sign of?
Hunger. This happens because the body needs energy, not just a specific food.
How do smaller plates help?
Smaller plates help with portion awareness. When a plate looks full, the brain is more likely to feel satisfied.
What are the three types of hunger?
stomach, mouth and heart hunger.
What are some ways we can practice mindfulness while eating?
Sit down while eating, turn off screens (don't eat in front of the television or phone), put our utensil down between bites, chew our food thoroughly, pay attention to fullness cues.
Name two senses used while eating.
For example, sight helps us notice color and shape, and taste helps us recognize flavors. Smell, touch, and hearing are also important.
True or False: Some medications can change our hunger and fullness signals
True! Medications, mental or physical illness and eating more or less than our body needs all impact our hunger and fullness signals.
Is it okay to feel hungry between meals?
Yes! It is normal to feel some hunger between meals. Our body gives us signals (stomach growling, weakness, dizziness, feeling irritable/hangry) to remind us to eat.