Tools for Intentional Living – Dr. J. Nickens

Many of the clients I see for psychotherapy, in addition to other issues, are concerned about their eating habits and weight management. 

My “Food Matters! Tips” may be obvious to you or perhaps may bring you a fresh idea that you can incorporate into your own health and nutrition habits.  If you have any “Tips” of your own, please post a comment or send them to me (e/m: jtnphd@earthlink.net) so that I can post and share them with other readers.

TIP:    Eating while distracted leads to overeating.   This falls into the behavioral category of mindless eating.  Notice how much more of your favorite snack you eat when you’re watching TV or working on a computer.  

 It’s very much like eating the whole box of popcorn while at the movies, whereas given that same box of popcorn and asked to stand outside and eat it you might very well eat much less.

If you are trying to regulate your eating, consider approaching your encounter with food as a solo activity; focus on it, savor it, enjoy it, and stay aware of the fact that you’re eating it!  Mental satisfaction is important in achieving a feeling of contentment and fullness with the meal.   Avoiding distractions as you’re eating will enhance your mindfulness about how much you consume.   

Strive to make your eating decisions more intentional to improve your general health.  Your feeling of vitality (and perhaps your change in weight), will reflect the difference.