It’s Easy To Drink Your Coffee Mindfully
Mmmm!
That smell of Coffee!
That aromatic, rich dark liquid that drips, oh so, slowly into your coffee cup, every morning.
The stimulating effect makes you crave – cup after cup!
Soooo enjoyable!
But…
…how many times have stopped to bring all your senses to the experience?
Simply slowly sipping a cup of coffee can be experienced in so many more ways than just swallowing it mindlessly.
How many times have you guzzled a coffee at work, yet shortly after, can’t remember the taste, let alone any of the other nuances that could have made it more enjoyable?
Have you ever thought that taking a moment to hit the mindfulness switch before consuming it could add so much to your cup of coffee? Reflecting not only on taste, texture, temperature, and other aspects of the java but how it makes you feel, during and afterward, physically and emotionally. If you slow down and think about applying your senses to your sip of coffee, you just may discover that rather than rushing for another cup, you’ll savor the emotional aftertaste for much longer.
Expand this thinking beyond a simple cup of coffee and you can glimpse how mindful eating can help you reduce the volumes you consume, yet enjoy what you do eat and drink so much more.
Unconscious eating and drinking behaviors are behind so much of the over-consumption of food and drinks, today, that can contribute to so many of our medical problems.
Full disclosure: I’m a die-hard coffee drinker!
Are You Eating Superfoods?
Surely you’ve come across the many claims for superfoods? Every health-based website and magazine has undoubtedly featured an article (or six) on the benefits of superfoods: the nutrient-packed, energy-providing foods 
that help with every ailment known to man and help you lose and/or maintain weight.
Or the latest trending diets recommended by nutritionists and gym junkies? Of course, we can’t forget the celebrity endorsements encouraging us to join a weight-loss meal program.
Each one of these concepts encourages certain foods. The main focus is what you are eating to get the results you are seeking. Eating mindfully turns the focus around so you are particularly focused on why you are eating when you eat, how you are eating and the environment in which you eat.
Some superfoods I incorporate into my daily diet include blueberries, broccoli, almonds, oats, eggs, spinach, salmon, and many more.
Mindfulness means focusing on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting your feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.
Why Are you Eating?
Eating mindfully has an exceptional focus point on why you are eating.
Are you eating to comfort yourself?
Sometimes when we are stressed the first thing we do is reach for something to eat, or drink, a favorite snack or drink, or even a full meal which, in the past, we’ve learned has brought comfort.
Are you eating out of convenience?
Many have also created unhealthy habits of eating whatever is close, cheap, and convenient, no matter the nutritional value, or lack thereof.
Mindful eating enables us to make sure the why is justified, and in our best interest. When we consider food as a fuel for our bodies we recalibrate our thought process, or become more mindful, about the foods we ingest.
Paradoxically, by reducing the focus on what we are eating by prioritizing the why, we make better choices on what we eat with reduced feelings of scarcity and abstinence.
How Are You Eating?
Eating mindfully also encompasses the idea of eating slowly, savoring the nourishment you are providing your body, and even considering where the food originated. Appreciate the hands that cultivated the soil, fed the plants, and provided this food for your enjoyment. Chew each bite deliberately and take time to notice the flavors and textures.
Where Are You Eating?
Today it’s hard to find a calm and relaxing environment for basically anything, let alone a meal. With mindful eating, it’s important to enjoy your meal or snack uninterrupted by electronic devices. Turn off your phone and TV; no need to surf the web or scroll through social media while you’re trying to eat mindfully. Unplug from outside distractions and enjoy a meal with your family or friends.
By truly paying attention to the food you eat, you may indulge in these types of foods less often. In essence, mindful eating means being fully attentive to your food—as you buy, prepare, serve, and consume it.
Do not underestimate the power of this aspect of mindfulness – mindful eating or drinking is all about engaging more fully in the experience.
This is the real power of mindful eating!
Enjoy!
Bon appetite!
“There’s a reason you eat the way that you do.
Start with compassion and be open to the possibility of change.” – Melissa McCreery
Meditation is a habit that may come easily to some. I have been meditating for over five years, but there were many days I found myself slipping. These days, not so much, not since I completed the no-cost Action Habits Challenge by Connie Ragen Green, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, independent publisher, and serial entrepreneur. You can check it out here.
If you’re interested in revitalizing your life through meditation and would like to learn a virtually risk-free, and cost-effective practice, that people of all ages can do with a little patience and guidance and that will serve you for the rest of your life, I would love to connect with you. You can connect with me here.
I’m Donna SLam, who loves to blog about how meditation brings self-compassion, peace of mind, and clarity to my life and others by sharing tips and strategies on how to live a fulling and purposeful life. I enjoy championing others to lead a healthy and happy life through meditation, walking, self-development, and spending time with loved ones.
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