3 Surprising Ways Mindfulness Can Help You Lose Weight

There are many ways to practice mindfulness so it occurs more regularly in your life and becomes part of a daily routine.

15/05/2023

 

 

 

There is no shortage of fad diets and workout plans, but this doesn’t always help you to lose weight and keep it off. That’s why more and more people are turning to mindfulness to help them lose weight in a natural, healthy way.

So, take a break from looking into tailor’s bunion causes, and look at 3 surprising ways mindfulness can help you lose weight.

 

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is all about bringing your awareness to the present moment. This includes how you’re feeling, what you’re seeing, and what you’re thinking. There are many ways to practice mindfulness so it occurs more regularly in your life.

Here are some ways to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine:

 

• ● Mindfulness meditation
  ● Journaling
  ● Yoga
  ● Walking without music/distractions

 

Puts a Stop to Mindless Snacking

Engaging in mindfulness practices regularly helps to limit any mindless snacking you used to partake in. We’ve all been there, grabbing a bag of chips before we settle down to scroll social media or watch a new Netflix series. Before we even realize it, the entire bag of chips is gone! Mindfulness helps bring awareness when you’re engaging in activities, and this includes eating. Instead of putting food into your mouth without even realizing it, you instead are completely aware and conscious of how much you’re eating. In turn, this will help you to lose some pounds by cutting out unnecessary snacking or overeating.

 

Allows You to Appreciate Food More

There’s a type of mindfulness practice known as mindful eating. This means you eat your food slowly, and you appreciate each bite that you take of food. When you learn to appreciate the food you’re eating, you’re much more likely to cook meals that are healthy and nutritious for your body. You see food as fuel, and not just something to enjoy. Instead, you find pleasure in feeding your body with food that you know is good for you. This helps to prevent eating processed food that can easily lead to weight gain.

 

Helps Explore Healthier Ways to Cope

Oftentimes, weight gain is the result of using food as a coping technique. It’s not uncommon for people to overindulge in food when they’re feeling sad, anxious, or overwhelmed. This makes sense as when your body is stressed, it releases a hormone called cortisol which makes you feel hungry and crave sugary, usually unhealthy, foods. When you practice mindfulness, you’re aware of what you’re feeling. Instead of turning to food to combat your uncomfortable feelings, you instead turn inwards leading to finding healthier ways to cope with unpleasant emotions. Not surprisingly, this awareness can help you to lose weight as you won’t turn to unhealthy foods to manage your stress. Instead, you’re more likely to go for a walk, practice meditation, or call a loved one.