Blog | Coaching | Nutrition & Recovery Break Free of Distraction: Master Mindful Eating
Author / Rob Exline
3-4 minutes read
One topic that might not immediately come to mind when empowering your performance or mastering your macros: mindful eating. It;s not about what you eat, it is how you eat it. We might be obsessed with optimizing every aspect of our training and recovery, and that should include the way we consume our fuel.
Picture this: you’re in the gym, working hard on your squats, deadlifts, and sprints. You’re dedicated to pushing your limits, and it’s paying off. But later you are at your computer at work or in front of the tv mindlessly shoving food down your gullet without regard to what it is or how much. Hell, you might even stand in your pantry eating chips while trying to decide if you want to eat chips. It’s time to bring the same level of intentionality to your nutrition as you do your workouts.
Intentional Undistracted: The Mind-Body Connection
Today’s world is full of multi-tasking. We’re constantly bombarded with text messages, emails, and mindless scrolling of the Gram. It is so second nature that we do it even during mealtimes. But here’s the truth: when you’re not fully present with your food, you are missing out on a crucial mind-body connection. Distraction makes it easier to shovel more food than you need or not eat nutrient dense food your body needs for peak performance. You will blow through satiety signals and overstuff yourself.
Be intentional at mealtimes. Put away the screens, silence notifications, and create a space free of distraction. This simple act of being present with your food can enhance digestion, improve nutrient absorption, reduce stress levels, and avoid overeating.
Chewing Slowly: A Forgotten Art
In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to rush through meals, barely taking time to chew. Let me remind you, digestion starts in the mouth. Chewing your food thoroughly not only breaks it down into smaller, more digestible pieces, but it also signals your body to release digestive enzymes, aiding in absorption of nutrients.
Next time you sit down for a meal, slow down. Take time to appreciate the look, smell, texture and flavors. Not only will you enjoy the meal that you either prepared or was prepared for you, but you will allow your satiety to catch up so you don’t overeat. Try to chew your food at least 20 x per bite. Or put the utensil down between every bite.
Flavor Savor
No, I am not talking about a thick 1970’s mustache, I am talking about savoring the flavor of your food. How many times have you wolfed down a plate of food without really tasting it? Don’t forget to actually taste the food you are eating.
Savor the rich flavors. Whether it’s the burst of sweetness from a ripe tomato or the smoky rich flavor of a well-cooked tomahawk steak. Be mindful.
The Power of Ritual
Mindful eating is a sacred practice. It connects directly to the core of your physical existence. It is what propels you to peak performance and your ideal body.
When you adopt this practice, you’re not only fine-tuning your digestion and absorption, but your are forging a deeper connection to your fuel. Chow down with a purpose because you are not just fueling your body but you are nourishing your soul.
Slow the hell down, relish every bite, and be in the moment with your meals. This isn’t a wish-washy notion, it’s a game-changer that can deliver mind blowing results in your performance, recovery, body composition, and overall well-being.
Keep smashing those boundaries, train like a savage, eat with intent, and slay dragons. If you want to master your mindfulness and your macros, head on over to https://powerathletehq.com/nutrition-coaching/?coach=rob.
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Coaching: Power Athlete Nutrition Coaching
Podcast: PA Radio Episode 727- Mark Bell’s Powerlifting Odyssey
Education: Power Athlete Academy
Tagged: #healthyhabits / coaching / eating habits / Mindfulness / Nutrition / Performance
AUTHOR
Rob Exline
Rob has been in the fitness/strength and conditioning industry for 21+ years. For the last 12 years, he has owned and operated CrossFit West Houston. Through CrossFit, Rob found Power Athlete the methodology course and earning his Block One. Nutrition is a passion which lead him to currently pursuing a Masters program in Nutrition at Lamar University and Power Athlete Nutrition coach.
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