The Joy of Mindful Eating: A Practice for Families and Kids
As a kids' yoga teacher, I often emphasize the importance of mindfulness, not just on the mat, but in daily life. One of the most transformative practices you can introduce to your family is mindful eating. It’s a wonderful way for kids and parents alike to connect with food in a more meaningful way, fostering healthier habits and a deeper sense of gratitude.
What Is Mindful Eating?
Mindful eating is about slowing down and paying attention to what you’re eating as a full bodied experience that delights the senses and fosters a deeper connection with our bodies, our food and eachother without distractions. For kids, this can turn mealtime into a fun, sensory experience that also helps develop a healthy relationship with food.
Benefits of Mindful Eating for Kids
Encourages Healthy Eating Habits
When children are encouraged to slow down and really engage with their food, they’re more likely to listen to their bodies, stop when they are full and helps with digestion and more restful sleep after mealtimes. This means they’ll stop eating when they’re full, rather than mindlessly consuming more than they need. Over time, mindful eating can reduce picky eating habits, as kids become more curious about different tastes and textures.
Fosters Gratitude and Connection
Mindful eating allows children to connect with their food in their everyday lives and fosters a deeper connection with where it came from, how it was prepared and the loving act that brings a family together. You can use this time to talk about how fruits and vegetables grow and the journey food takes to reach our plates. This creates a sense of gratitude and helps children see food as something special to be savored, not just something to gobble down quickly.
Improves Focus and Calmness
Just like in yoga, mindfulness at the table can help children become more grounded, When we create a calm and inviting space to eat together, kids learn to experience calm and focus on their bodies adn their food, practicing their concentration skills. This translates to other areas of life, like school and play. Plus, it can be a soothing ritual that helps ease hyperactivity or stress, especially after a busy and tiring day
Making Mindful Eating Fun for Families
Here are a few simple ways to make mindful eating a fun family activity:
Create a "Mindful Meal Time Adventure": Before digging in, take a few moments to observe the food placed on the plate. Use all of your senses to explore the smells, textures, colours and taste. You could even try using a blind fold to try new things or the mindful chocolate meditation.
Have a DIY night once a week: Have a make your own night with burgers, tacos, pizzas or get creative and create a picture on your plate using different foods. You could try setting food out in different ways, perhaps using a share platter, or use little bowls and plates with different foods in each. Whatever you choose to try give them lots of choices and encourage them to try new things each week in a fun and relaxed way
Swap screens for games: Make the dinner table a no-phone zone, instead consider adding a game after dinner time, cards or something you can play at the table to encourage connection and family time before everyone rushes off to their own activities. This encourages everyone to stay present and enjoy both the food and each other’s company.
Introducing mindful eating as a family practice not only nourishes the body but also creates moments of connection and joy. When kids learn to eat mindfully, they grow up with a healthier attitude toward food—an invaluable gift for life.
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