What I have learned this month is that most of us eat without thinking at some point or another during
the day. It may be part of our routine, it could be that we are too
tired or busy to notice the food or amount that we are consuming, or
it may be that we think we know what we are eating or drinking, but we
are not actually aware.
If one is trying to lose weight,
manage weight, or focus on healthier eating habits, there is a part
of eating or drinking awareness that needs to occur. We have talked
about keeping track of food intake by documenting it in a daily food
diary. In addition to this, it’s important to make a conscious effort
to be aware of the food we eat. Do we take the time to taste the food
and enjoy the aroma, flavor, and texture? This past month, I have learned
that one can consume both food and drink in large quantities, but be
unable to report what and how much was ingested, the time taken to consume
it, and whether or not it was enjoyable. This unconscious eating can
add hundreds of calories to a diet and derail you from making healthier
choices.
It is time to return to an
earlier era, when food was consumed at a table. The first step to eating
and drinking awareness includes sitting down with each meal (even for
snacks), paying attention to the food or drink being consumed, enjoying
the flavors, and ceasing to eat something that does not taste good.
Plan ahead the timing of meals to prevent unconscious eating, such as
snacking in the car, in front of the television, or while working/playing
on the computer. Take that extra minute to be aware of what you are
drinking or eating, whether it tastes good, and most importantly, whether
it is a healthy choice.
Feel free to e-mail Gillian Goodfriend your questions or comments at ggoodfri@uic.edu.