For many people wanting to lose weight, there continues to be a lot of emphasis on diet and exercise.  We’ve come a long way in gaining more knowledge of different dietary and exercise approaches that will help us to lose weight; however, it’s evident that these approaches are not always enough.  One of the most important aspects of weight loss is our psychology and mindset.  Unfortunately, this is one of the key components that is ignored all too often in many weight loss programs.
After years of practice and helping patients lose weight, I’ve found that overweight/obesity is a multi-factorial process that requires an approach that is tailored to each individual as much as possible.  This is especially true when we factor in the unique psychological factors that can help or hinder each person’s pursuit of their weight loss goals.  Everyone has different triggers and cravings, as well as a different relationship with food.  These psychological factors should be addressed individually, which will give the best chance of positive and lasting results.

Mindfulness is defined as “a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations”.  Mindfulness extends into the diet and weight loss realm, in the form of “mindful eating”.  Mindful eating refers to the practice of being in the present moment while eating, while paying attention to one’s thoughts about food and sensations during their meal.

With our fast-paced lifestyle it’s commonplace to fix a very quick meal or grab food on-the-go, as we’re pressed for time.  On top of this, while we’re eating our minds tend to drift elsewhere.  If you’ve ever eaten a meal while you’re watching TV or on the phone, this would be the exact opposite of mindful eating.  In this case, your body finished the meal, but your mind never really acknowledged that you had eaten anything.  Unfortunately, your brain starts to develop cravings and think about other things to eat as a result.

Here are some of the benefits of mindful eating:
1) It helps us to re-establish a positive relationship with food.
2) It enables us to control our food portions without feeling deprived.
3) It allows us to control our food cravings with minimal effort.
4) It makes it easier for us to follow dietary changes more closely.
5) We will feel more satiated and full after meals.

 

Dr. Michael Morsillo, H.B.Sc., N.D.
Newmarket Naturopathic Doctor 
16655 Yonge Street, Newmarket, ON
905-898-1844 ext. 135
dr.morsillo@gmail.com
www.drmorsillo.com