Hands up in the air if you have had to stop eating at your desk because you simply couldn’t stop snacking?
Don’t be shy, you will be amongst the 85% of people in the UK who can’t help but treat themselves to a snack during the day.
Sadly, there are few things as dangerous to your waistline than mindless snacking in front of the computer. So while the simplest solution is to stop eating at your desk altogether – it is not the healthiest choice.
That’s why we have crafted this guide to help you claw back your freedoms. Read on to learn about mindful eating, your work hack to a healthier and happier day.
What is Mindful Eating?
So, what is ‘mindful eating’, and why does it sound like Gwyneth Paltrow’s next health craze?
Essentially, mindful eating is about slowing down and paying attention to what you’re eating. This means removing any distractions or rush that may be typically associated with eating, and instead savouring each and every bite.
This sounds a little far-fetched for me…
We get it. As Brits, we’re not exactly known for embracing change with open arms. But instead of inhaling your lunch like you’re the next BeardMeatsFood, and taking a moment to actually focus on your food, you can conquer your hunger pangs effectively.
Rather than tapping away at your desk with no stimulation, mindful eating allows you to reintroduce food in a healthy manner. It helps break that cycle of mindless snacking and turns eating into a purposeful, enjoyable part of your day.
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The Benefits of Mindful Eating
If you’re still on the fence about mindful eating, it’s time to let science do the talking.
Boost Your Brainpower
Mindful eating can help you avoid the dreaded afternoon slump following a deliciously heavy lunch.
A study of 309 people found that those who engaged in mindful eating experienced significant improvements to their mental well-being and awareness. These findings helped to confirm the growing body of work that mindfulness sharpens your cognitive function – meaning you’ll be sharper, quicker, and more on top of your game.
By paying attention to what you’re eating, you’re feeding your stomach while fueling your brain. And when your brain’s happy, your to-do list doesn’t stand a chance.
More Energy, Less Crash
Combining mindful eating with healthy food choices can help you to regulate your energy levels. This means ditching the nightmarish rollercoaster of sugar highs and caffeine crashes!
It will take a bit of grit and discipline, however! A recent study found that while mindful eating saw a significant drop in the eating of sweets and candies, the benefits from changes to eating took from 6-12 months to make a difference.
When you take the time to really listen to your body and eat what it actually needs (*cough*, fruit), you’ll notice a balanced stream of energy that keeps you chugging through your day.
Improve Your Digestion
Sitting at your desk with a rock of indigestion in your stomach sucks. But did you know that eating mindfully can be your solution to your digestion woes?
When you slow down and chew your food properly, your digestive system has a much easier time doing its job. Although the science is in its infancy, a 2019 study found that mindful eating helps increase your awareness of internal signals and emotions, avoiding emotional stress and bad eating habits that contribute to indigestion.
If you want less bloating and fewer stomach aches, it’s time to start thinking about what you’re shovelling into your mouth.
How Can I Incorporate Mindful Eating at Work?
The answer couldn’t be simpler! With just a handful of easy, practical tips, you can turn your snack breaks into mini-mindfulness sessions.
- Sit Down to Eat: Ever wondered why most meditative exercises occur from a seated position? It’s because you can fully align your body and mind in the present. So, when you sit down to eat, you’re more likely to tune into the food and listen to your body without distortion.
- Chew Slowly: Don’t bite off more than you can chew! While the age-old wisdom is related to goal-setting, it also provides a useful reminder to chew manageable chunks slowly! Taking your time enhances the flavour of your food and gives your body time to kickstart the digestion process.
- Take a Break: Sometimes work gets on top of us. If you can’t zone in on your food while syphoning through emails, it may be time to take a break and eat away from your desk. You can always try mindful eating at your desk later down the line, when you have some experience under your belt.
Mindful Eating Common Challenges FAQs
Mindful eating is only as long as you want it to be! Even just a couple of minutes of focused, intentional eating can make a big difference.
Top Tip: Block off mindful eating time in your calendar, just like you would for a meeting. Treat it like a non-negotiable part of your day.
Consider taking your meal to a quieter spot in the office or, if possible, stepping outside for a few minutes. If you’re chained to your desk, you can always turn off your monitor or simply turn away from your screen.
Top Tip: Put your phone in ‘Do Not Disturb’ – any important calls will still come through.
If you’re worried about looking out of place, start small. Take a quick stroll with your snack to enjoy some alone time. It’s about finding what works for you, not conforming to office norms.
Top Tip: If you are alone in the breakroom, work in some lunges or calf raises to get a pump on while you eat.
How Fruidel Makes Mindful Eating Easy
Whether your office is nestled in the heart of London or tucked away in the Scottish Highlands, Fruidel’s got you covered! Our nationwide delivery network ensures that no matter where you are in the UK, a fresh basket of fruit is just a click away.
We’re all about convenience. Our mission since 2016 has been to revolutionise how offices operate. We deliver a boost to your team’s morale, productivity, and overall well-being through the joy of fruit.
Better yet, we can help your business’ commitment to eco-friendly practices. From our AdBlue technology that reduces emissions from our delivery vans to our biodegradable packaging, we’re working hard to ensure our deliveries are as green as they are efficient.
