What if there was a secret weapon behind reaching your weight loss goals that does NOT involve macro tracking, counting calories, restricting food groups, or anything else actually ‘food’ related. Dreamy, right?!
If you find that hard to imagine, I’m with you. I’m a numbers-nerd who’s all about science and strategies. You know what they say – you can’t manage what you don’t measure.
Well, let me tell you – even I was surprised by this one! Recently I was doing a bunch of research to find new ways to help my clients with weight loss, building habits, consistency and accountability… you know, those things that we all struggle with.
To my surprise, this one seemingly magical tool was listed in every one of those topics – with overwhelming research to back it up too! It was:
Before you disregard it and close this tab, I repeat – the evidence is overwhelming!!!
Something that has such a proven track record is worthy of investigating, don’t you think?
So that’s what I did. I’m dishing out all the studied and proven benefits of mindful eating.
Several studies have found that mindfulness-based interventions can lead to improvements in weight management, including weight loss and reductions in binge eating and emotional eating.
A randomized controlled trial conducted in 2016 found that a mindfulness-based weight loss intervention improved insulin sensitivity in overweight and obese women. Participants in the mindfulness group showed significant improvements in insulin sensitivity compared to those in the control group.
A study published in 2015 found that mindful eating was associated with lower levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin in overweight and obese individuals. The researchers suggest that mindful eating may help regulate hunger hormones and improve appetite control.
Another study conducted in 2016 found that a mindfulness-based intervention improved hunger awareness and reduced emotional eating in overweight and obese women. The researchers suggest that mindfulness training may help individuals become more attuned to their hunger and fullness cues, leading to improved appetite control.
Mindful eating can help individuals recognize emotional triggers for eating and develop alternative coping strategies, reducing emotional eating. It’s also been shown to be effective in reducing binge eating and other disordered eating behaviors.
Mindful eating has been associated with improved dietary quality, including increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and decreased consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods.
Mindful eating can help individuals develop a more positive relationship with food and appreciate the sensory experience of eating, enhancing satisfaction with food.
Mindful eating can improve blood sugar balance in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
If you’ve followed us for awhile, you know we’re all about the evidence. That’s why mindful eating is one of our primary recommendations at Build Nutrition. In fact, it’s one of the BEST PRACTICES that we ummm, practice in our weekly challenges in the RxHABITS. Check it out!
The best part – putting mindful eating into practice is so much easier to implement in every day real life than measuring and tracking food intake!
References:
Hi ya
I'm Yvette, Registered Holistic Nutritionist™ with a focus in fitness nutrition. I'm just like you - raising a family, hitting the gym, Netflix'ing the night away - all while trying to be my leanest, strongest and healthiest.
REACH OUT to see how we can work together today!
The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Build Holistic Nutrition. Please note that Build Nutrition is not a dietitian, physician, pharmacist or other licensed healthcare professional. The information on this website is NOT intended as medical advice, nor is it intended to replace the care of a qualified health care professional. This content is not intended to diagnose or treat any diseases. Always consult with your primary care physician or licensed healthcare provider for all diagnosis and treatment of any diseases or conditions, for medications or medical advice, as well as before changing your health care regimen.
Go ahead, creep us on social. You know you want to!