Mindful eating: What it means and ways to practice it every day

Mindful eating is more than just being aware of what we eat; it’s about understanding how food impacts our energy, performance, and overall well-being.

As someone who has always believed in the power of fitness, I’ve come to realise that mindful eating and nutrition are integral to achieving optimal results in fitness, rather than being separate elements. Since introducing our fitness and wellness membership almost a decade ago, I've developed a deeper appreciation for the intricate link between nutrition and overall well-being. Our nutrition assistance and diet planning product is built on extensive research, helping me understand that mindful eating goes beyond just food choices. It's about tuning into hunger cues, recognising satiety, and fueling fitness and recovery. This holistic approach has been shaped by a profound understanding of food's role in supporting our body's needs.
In a world where busy schedules often push us toward convenience, in the midst of chaos, mindful eating brings order to our relationship with food. It’s not just about what we eat, but how and why we eat that truly matters.

By incorporating mindful eating into our daily routine, we support our physical performance, enhance our overall well-being, and create a balanced approach to health that complements our fitness journey. Fitness is about nourishing our bodies to perform at their best, recover effectively, and maintain long-term health. Mindful eating empowers us to make intentional food choices that fuel our bodies for both performance and longevity, mitigating the risks of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, to name a few, which affect millions of Indians.

Here are some everyday ways to practice mindful eating:

● Eat smaller, balanced portions: Incorporate local, seasonal produce and avoid ultra-processed foods.
● Pause before meals: Take a few deep breaths, notice your hunger level, and set the intention to eat slowly.
● Ditch distractions: Keep phones and screens aside. Give yourself permission to focus only on the act of eating.
● Eat before exercise: Fuel your body with a balanced meal or snack 1-3 hours before physical activity to optimise performance and enjoyment.

A holistic approach to wellness is embraced through personalised nutrition plans. These tailored plans, crafted by expert nutritionists, are designed to align seamlessly with individual fitness goals, ensuring that every meal supports both workouts and recovery. Whether the goal is to increase strength, build stamina, or maintain a balanced diet, mindful eating plays a key role in bridging the gap between nutrition and fitness.

(Arushi Verma, Co-founder, FITPASS)