Here are some ways you can eat for a healthier mind and body
There is a saying that goes: Good food is the foundation of genuine happiness.
In many ways, this statement is true. Good, nutritious food can positively impact your mood, can help you think clearly, and fuels your body - ultimately improving your overall wellness.
The relationship between food and your state of mind can be a chicken-and-egg scenario: your mood and psychological state can affect what and how much you eat; on the flipside, what you eat can affect your mood and psychological well-being, too.
In order to strike the right balance, it helps to pay attention to what you are consuming. This is sometimes referred to as mindful eating.
Here are some ways you can pay more attention to the foods that you eat.
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When we lead busy lives, we find ourselves eating at odd hours and choosing our meals compulsively - whether is chowing down on fare from the local mamak or heading to the vending machine for some cup noodles.
By planning and preparing your meals ahead of time, you can control the ingredients that you use, the nutritional value of your meal, as well as your portions. What’s more is that you’ll eat on time, keeping those “hangry” emotions at bay!
Are you someone who is guilty of eating at their desk, while working to chase a deadline? Or perhaps you like to Netflix, chill, and eat all at once?
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The next time you find yourself in this situation, try switching off your devices and instead savor the food that you’re eating. When we eat while distracted, we are more likely to overeat as we are paying more attention to what we’re watching or doing, rather than listening to our body signals when we’re full.
There are some foods that agree with us, and others that just don’t. In order to weed out those foods that cause us discomfort, it helps to write down, not just what we eat, but also how we feel after we eat them.
This could help you discover foods that make you feel bloated or lethargic, those that keep you awake and energized, or those that just don’t make you feel good. Soon you’ll learn what foods to consume, and what to avoid - leading to a better post-meal experience.
Making the right food decisions may not always be easy - but the good news is that there are professionals who can help you get on the right track.
Dietitians and nutritionists can help you explore how your food and eating habits are affecting your overall health and wellbeing, and they can work with you to develop a plan to improve your eating and nutrition.
If you’d like to learn more about mindful eating, check out our learning pack here. You can also chat with one of our ThoughtFull Professionals to get some help in coming up with a realistic plan.
ThoughtFull Professionals are credentialed mental health professionals. Through the chat, our Professionals will partner with you in a thought-provoking and creative process that assists you in maximizing your personal and professional potential areas of your life.
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