Savoring with Intentional Self-love

"Do you ever struggle with voices of criticism when you eat? Many of us have grown up being told, or telling ourselves, that we are eating too much, eating the wrong foods, eating too fast, and more. When we judge ourselves while eating, we miss out on being present with our most fundamental activity - nourishment – a process of cr-EAT-ing who we are in physical form! Many people battling self-criticism at meal times also fight feelings of anxiety. Anxiousness while eating further interferes with the transformation our foods into our bodies. So being self-critical and feeling upset about eating can fuel a kind of cycle, whereby we choose types of ‘comfort’ foods or drinks (e.g., high sugar or caffeinated) - or we forego eating at all - further fueling negative thoughts and emotions! Mindful eating offers freedom from self-destructive, eating-related behaviors. Meeting each bite or sip being fully present without rules or judgement can silence the voices and sooth the feelings that interfere with the joy the nourishment process. As we practice mindful eating, we also learn to be fully embodied, using all of our senses to perceive and appreciate all we take in. Most importantly, mindful eating gives us an opportunity to intentionally love and appreciate ourselves as unique, precious participants in the cycle of life." -Chiara Kae, PhD, RDN