Mindfulness practices can help you focus on being aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment. They can allow you to slow down, relax your body and mind, and help lower your stress levels. Some of these practices can include guided imagery, deep breathing, and meditation, to name a few.
One way to have a more positive meal experience is to practice mindful cooking. Mindful cooking, or cooking meditation, is a great practice for being in the present moment while cooking a meal. Here are a few ways that you can practice this at home.
- Slow Down – We often look for quick meal options. When practicing mindful cooking, slowing down is key! Take time to read the recipe, set out the items, and do the slicing/dicing. You may even consider where your items came from and how they arrived at your home. Slowing down may take some practice!
- Use Your Senses – Use all your senses while cooking (sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch). Using your senses will keep you in the present moment and aware of what is going on around you.
- Include Your Breathing – Practicing deep breathing throughout the process will aid in slowing down. You can also smell your wonderful food!
- Limit Your Mind Wandering – It’s easy to get distracted by other tasks in the kitchen (washing dishes, other noises in the household, phone messages, etc.), but do your best to focus on only the cooking process. The rest can wait!
- Add in Some Gratitude – Again, think about where your food came from and how blessed you are to be able to have groceries and a home-cooked meal to fuel your body. You’ll begin to appreciate your ingredients even more.
Once your food is prepared, you can bring that same awareness to your meal. Take your time using your senses to slowly eat the meal and enjoy the dish you have created!
Written by Coach Sarah