In our world today everyone is running all over the place, connected to electronic devices. People are so busy, no one stops to listen. Eating and multitasking is becoming the norm. I believe that is why so many people are overweight. No one is really aware of how much they are eating or if they are full. If you would like to lose a few pounds, it is essential that you start to listen to your body. You can’t listen to your body if you are reading emails or watching the news. Start today to eat mindfully.

Listen to your body, it doesn’t lie. It takes your brain 20 minutes to signal to your stomach that you are full. You will feel fuller when you eat slowly. Here are some tips:

Before you eat, say a prayer

Take small bites

Chew completely

Put down your fork in between bites

Savor the flavor

Enjoy your food

Eat as if someone important is with you

Eat sitting down at a table, no sitting on the couch watching tv, standing at the fridge, or driving in the car.

Eat when you’re hungry.

Your body will tell you when it’s time to eat. Don’t eat because 12 o’clock is lunch time. If you’re not hungry, don’t eat.

Do you know the difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger? Sometimes what you’re craving isn’t even food. Listen to your soul. Connect your body with your soul. Can you take just 5 minutes and listen? Listen to your heartbeat and listen to the sound of your breath.

The greatest secret to weight loss is self love. Love yourself. Sometimes God uses our struggles to get our attention to the real issues, our separation of mind, body, and spirit. Ask yourself, “why are you gaining weight?” “Have you stopped loving yourself?” Are you disconnected from your true self?”

Pema Chodron quotes, “Nothing ever goes away, until it teaches us what we need to learn”. What is your weight gain trying to teach you? What lessons can you learn? Write in a journal and let your thoughts flow. Your weight gain could be your teacher trying to put you on a path of transformation.

If you want to lose a few pounds, just listen to your body.