Skip to main content

Day 31: Mindful Movements and Navigating Hunger Cues

In a sun-drenched home interior, a woman is jogging on a treadmill, her form reflected in the machine's display. An attentive cat sits on the end of the treadmill, watching her. The warm sunlight filters through the windows, casting a cozy and motivating atmosphere for the indoor workout. The room is neatly arranged with houseplants and comfortable furnishings, creating an environment that is both energizing and peaceful, ideal for maintaining fitness at home.

Welcome back to my wellness jourey!

Guided Meditation Walk: A Journey of Focus

Today's workout was a continuation of the guided meditation walks, which I've come to deeply appreciate for their ability to blend physical activity with mindfulness. Opting to use the treadmill after returning from the lake allowed me to immerse fully in the experience without distractions, ensuring that I could truly connect with the guidance and introspect on the journey. I am grateful that I have this in my home gym, I'm not sure how I would do this at a regular gym, even with a treadmill?

Delving Deeper into Eating Until Satisfied

The day's lesson expanded on the current habit of eating until satisfied, introducing the practice of rating our hunger to better gauge when to eat. I've recognized the importance of a morning meal to prevent becoming overly hungry throughout the entire, which can lead to less mindful eating choices. This adjustment is a testament to the program's emphasis on listening to and understanding our body's signals. I am still not 100% sure when I am satisfied when eating and I'm okay with that so to help I am choosing to have smaller portions, eating slowly of course and then go back for more if I am hungry still. I haven't gone back yet which is quite shocking and makes me realize how out of touch I have been when it comes to how hungry I have been in the past.

Insights and Strategies from the Community

The Facebook group has been a treasure trove of shared experiences and strategies, particularly around the concept of identifying and scaling hunger. Members have discussed various hunger cues, such as sudden drops in energy or increased difficulty concentrating, which go beyond the traditional stomach growls. The practice of asking oneself, "Am I still hungry?" mid-meal encourages an even deeper level of engagement with our food and our bodies' needs. I really appreciate how the group is open to sharing what works to bring the lessons more depth and things for me to think about. 

Uncommon Hunger Cues to Consider

We learned that in addition to the more recognized signs of hunger, there are several uncommon cues that can also indicate it's time to eat. These can include:

Mood Changes: Irritability or mood swings, often referred to as being "hangry," can be a sign your body needs fuel.

Difficulty Making Decisions: When you're hungry, the brain may have a harder time processing information, leading to indecisiveness.

Headaches or Light-headedness: A lack of nutrients can sometimes result in a headache or a feeling of light-headedness, signaling it's time to eat.

Thirst: Sometimes, our bodies can confuse signals for hunger and thirst. Feeling unusually thirsty can sometimes also mean you're actually hungry.

Lack of Focus: If you find your mind wandering and you're unable to concentrate on the task at hand, it might be a cue that you need to eat.

The 9 Type of Hunger explained here!

Reflections on the Day

Today's blend of physical and mental wellness practices, coupled with the community's shared insights, has enriched my understanding of mindful eating. The nuanced approach to recognizing hunger, from the physical to the psychological cues, underscores the complexity of our relationship with food. As I continue to explore these practices, I'm learning to tune into my body's signals more keenly, making each meal an opportunity for mindfulness and satisfaction.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Day 24: Valentine's Reflections and Embracing Every Moment

Welcome back, followers of well-being! A Surprising Lesson on Binge Eating Valentine's Day brought with it an unexpected lesson from the program, focusing on the concept of binge eating. The lesson didn't delve into definitions but rather suggested an intriguing approach: if binge eating occurs, do it slowly and without any guilt. For those who don't experience binge eating, the guidance was to maintain the practice of eating slowly throughout the day. This perspective offers a unique lens on mindfulness and self-compassion, encouraging us to be present and intentional with our eating habits, regardless of the situation. The Continual Growth Through Meditation Today's workout seamlessly blended meditation with walking, a combination that has become a cherished part of my routine. The guided meditations, each building upon the last one, have become a source of solace and anticipation. Their evolving nature keeps me engaged and hopeful that they'll remain a cornerston...

Day 27: Braving the Cold and Envisioning the Future

A Chilly Start to the Day Today's active recovery day took us back to the familiar yet frosty surroundings of the lake, with temperatures dipping to -15°C. Despite bundling up, the biting wind made our 20-minute walk more challenging than usual. The vast openness of the lake's paths and parks, usually a source of tranquility, today amplified the cold. To compensate for the lack of zone minutes on my Fibtbit, I added a 25-minute rowing session on my Bowflex Revolution in the afternoon, following a snow shoveling session under the watchful eye of my dog. Our day concluded with another walk after dinner, maintaining our routine despite the cold. Active recovery decoded and why you need it. Looking Ahead: The Maintenance Phase Today's lesson shifted our focus to the future, specifically the maintenance phase post-program. It outlined the gradual build-up of habits that will eventually become second nature, requiring no conscious effort to maintain. The lesson encouraged us to e...

Day 5 of Precision Nutrition Coaching: Transforming Desires into Actions

Welcome back, to all my readers! Today marked the fifth day of my journey with the Precision Nutrition (PN) Coaching program and like each day before, it was truly educational. The central theme of today's lesson was about transforming our "I don't wants" into "I do wants," a powerful shift in mindset that propels us from passive wishing to active doing. Flipping the Script: From "Don't" to "Do" It's easy to get caught in the trap of saying things like, "I don't want to be out of shape." However, this approach is often unproductive. Today's lesson taught me to reframe these thoughts into positive affirmations. Instead of focusing on what I don't want, I'm learning to focus on what I do want, like being in better shape. This simple flip in wording makes a significant difference in how I approach my goals. Vision Boards and Letters to the Future The course also introduced some creative tools to visualize an...