Wisdom from a high schooler.

Thoughts on moderation by Ariana —

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/ways-practice-moderation-2178.html

I chose this article to reflect on this month because it relates to a personal struggle of mine. I’m totally the type to bring a bag of pretzels with me to watch television, telling myself I won’t eat too many. Before I know it, the show is only halfway over and I’ve eaten half the bag.

This article provides very specific things anyone sharing my troubles could do to practice mindfulness while eating. I like how it doesn’t shun indulgences. The article focuses on having a taste, recognizing when you don’t need anymore, and then stopping. It’s that process of recognition and being present with my food that I would really love to practice more.

An idea the article suggests is to put your fork down after each bite of food, chew for a little, swallow, see how you feel, and then resume eating. While this practice draws attention to your meals, it also helps you better recognize when you’re full which is something else I’d like to work on.

Planning ahead meals is another helpful suggestion this article offers. Many times, I come home from school ravenous, searching the pantry for the first thing that sounds good. I’ve found on the (rare) occasions that I think about what I will eat once I’m home, I eat less and make better decisions about what I’m eating.

While mindfulness is a major challenge in our constantly moving world, it really provides so many benefits in the long run. One becomes a calmer, more aware person with the practice of mindfulness and moderation.

For the past week, I’ve been trying to incorporate the tips this article offers and have found it so rewarding. The more I pay attention to my food, the more I pay attention to how my body receives it. I’ve learned to put my phone down, turn off the television, and really be present with my food. Gratitude is tied in with this, as I’ve become more appreciative of having enough food to fill my belly.

I really support this month’s theme of moderation because I believe it to be so important. When we are more aware of ourselves, we are more equipped to recognize extremes –too much of this, too little of that. Mindfulness and moderation are so closely knit together and I encourage everyone to read this article, which wonderfully displays their connection.