Mindful Eating: How to Stop Stress Eating with Mindfulness 

Implementing mindfulness into our everyday lives is a great way to increase our 
awareness, gratitude, and positivity. Practicing mindfulness allows us to feel grounded 
and present to overcome stressors and burdens. Another great advantage of 
mindfulness is to benefit your health and eating habits. As we approach the holiday 
season it's so easy to lose sight of healthy habits between stress and the influx 
indulgent treats. Here are some practical ways to approach mindful eating, to help you 
enjoy the holiday season without overeating. 

Take Your Time

So often we rush into our celebrations and get caught up in the chaos. By taking time to 
be present and appreciate the things around you, you can catch your breath and be 
intuitive about your meal. As you sit down for your meal at your family gathering, stop 
and reflect on your company-take a brief moment to think something positive about 
each person at the table with you. Appreciate the decorations and family traditions 
surrounding your meal. Enjoy how your food looks- maybe the gravy and turkey, or the 
delectable pies and cakes. Enjoy this time during your meal and in between bites, 
savoring your food and respecting when you're full. By paying special attention to how 
your body's feeling, you can set your limits without being deprived. 

Plan Ahead

If eating nutritiously is your goal, make sure there will be dishes that serve this purpose. 
If not, offer to bring your own. Fruit salads or winter veggie bakes are delicious and easy 
ways to complement a meal. Choose to focus on foods that serve your body and your 
goals. If there's something on your plate that you don't absolutely savor-skip it. Eating 
mindlessly is an unfulfilling and unnecessary habit. 

Treat Yourself 

If after your meal you want dessert, never deprive yourself. Assess how you feel: Are 
you too full or lethargic? Or do you truly crave something sweet? Deprivation can lead 
to binging or negative thinking- it's better to treat yourself and celebrate for the holidays 
while applying the same rules of portion size and fullness. Enjoying holiday delicacies is 
often a much-anticipated part of family traditions- if that is the case for you, embrace 
this happiness without stifling it! Nutrition is about healthy balance, and being mindful of 
your delicious dessert now can keep you on track for the future. 

Mindfulness is an excellent tool for your lifestyle in many ways, especially when it 
comes to stress management and healthy habits. Using mindfulness as health 
motivation is a great way to practice your mindfulness and reach your wellness goals. 
Use these tips to be present, healthy, and happy this holiday season.

