Mindful Eating During Chaos

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
Eating on-the go and while multitasking is not an uncommon thing.  Pressed for time, many of us find ourselves scarfing down a morsel of food in the car, while driving, while on the computer, studying, etc.  With overloaded schedules and stressful lifestyles, eating and nourishing our bodies often takes the backburner and becomes something we try to fit in.  But what are the consequences of this mentality?

Stress Eating

Constantly eating under stressful circumstances can lead to a chaotic relationship with food, which in turn can result in disordered eating.  People usually are not eating according to their body’s needs or honoring hunger and fullness levels appropriately when eating under any form of duress, stress, or chaos.  This can lead to under eating or overeating, which over time, can also lead to the development of eating disorders in susceptible individuals, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

There are practical steps that can be taken to learn to eat mindfully, even in an environment that is stressful and chaotic.  The first step towards learning to eat mindful is creating a time and space for your meals.  Even if this is only one meal per day, have a time each day that you know you are going to sit down an enjoy a meal.  Whatever meal this might be, make this as an opportunity for yourself to sit down, unwind, taste and enjoy your food and tune in to how your body is feeling.

Creating a peaceful environment is also part of the process of learning how to eat mindfully.  This might include tidying around your kitchen or dining area, or creating an ambiance that can help you find peace in the midst of busy lifestyle.  Mindfulness is about tuning in to the quiet wisdom that is found innately within you, and learning to pause long enough to understand how your body is feeling physically.  Once you can recognize how you feel and what your body needs, it becomes easier to respond to those cues, whether that means taking the necessary time to nourish yourself appropriately or figure out what your body is craving.  

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders.  These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer a discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.  We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors.  If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on August 28, 2015. Published on EatingDisorderHope.com