How to not ONLY eat during lockdown

During this time of a global disease outbreak it has become more important to control what we eat and when we eat unless we want to gain an unhealthy amount of weight till we’re out of it. Giving five whole minutes to a single bite while eating is not a realistic goal though. So, I’ve merged a few mindful eating habits with some doable techniques that you can inculcate in your routine:

1. Listen to your body

Rather than relating hunger to your mind, listen to your body first. Don’t eat when you’re stressed, busy, excited, or emotional. Eat when you are actually hungry. Listen to what your body signals. Also, know when to stop. Our stomach always signals us when it’s full. We tend to ignore this message which leads to overeating.

2. Plan ahead

Try to plan ahead for your meals. It can help reduce mindless eating. Instead of throwing together a meal last minute, plan it on weekends or you can do this a night before. The key is to incorporate a variety of nutrients, textures and flavour profiles. Remember to enjoy every bite.

3. Choose your portions wisely

Choose a small plate for your main meals; fill it with every food group. Add a source of healthy fat, complex carbohydrates, animal/plant-based protein, ½-1 cup of lentils/beans.

4. Keep a food journal

This way you’ll know what is going inside your body; if you’re eating more or less; what benefits your body and what harms it.

5. Schedule your meals

Start with making a time table for all your meals. This is going to make food prep a little easier too. Fix a time and ask your family members or friends to join you for a meal.

6. Avoid technology

TV, mobile phones, laptop; shut it all. Talk to your family. Talk to them about your day, work, college or anything you want. Listen to them.

7. Cook together

Cook together once a day or at least once a week. Ask your family to help you. Enjoy their company and let them enjoy yours. •