13 Nov Online Dietitian Tips to Improve Your Eating Habits with Gratitude

As we enter November, the concept of gratitude becomes a trending topic. However, being grateful can sometimes feel like that kale craze from a few years ago, something that is forced upon us. It’s essential to be realistic as some days are just tough, and it’s challenging to find that silver lining. Nonetheless, being grumpy doesn’t mean we can’t be thankful. Gratitude is defined as a strong feeling of appreciation towards someone or something that has helped us. It requires mindfulness and taking a pause to notice and appreciate the world around us, which can be hard to do in a world that runs non-stop.

Health is not only about what we eat, but how we eat. Mindful eating and exercising can become a part of our daily health habits. Mindfulness leads to gratitude by making us aware of where our food comes from and being thankful for those who worked hard to grow, harvest, and bring it to us. It’s also about being aware of our bodies, their movement, and their potential.

Practicing gratitude in our daily lives becomes intrinsic, whether it’s eating, drinking, or playing. Every bite and movement nourishes us, and it’s something to celebrate, even when we’re feeling grumpy. The following techniques can help cultivate mindfulness and gratitude:

• S.T.O.P.: Stop, take three breaths, observe, and proceed. Eating in a calm state improves digestion, so taking the time to sit and eat breakfast is essential.
• Mindfulness reduces cravings by helping us pay more attention to our body signals and curb our cravings.
• Use the five senses to appreciate food’s colors, textures, flavors, sounds, and smells.
• Listen to your body signals, including cravings for movement or hunger, and respond accordingly.
• Be kind to yourself, as being grateful starts with being kind to yourself.

Practicing gratitude is critical to appreciating our bodies and what they do for us daily, how our bodies allow us to do things we love, such as hugging, dancing, or playing tag.

Cheers to gratitude, even if we’re feeling surly.