5 Tips to Live More Intuitively
Updated: Oct 3, 2019
1. Pause before reaching for the candy or doughnuts sitting on the table in the office. Ask yourself "do I really want these, or am I just bored and it is conveniently in front of me?"
When you get into the habit of connecting with yourself on this level, you are more inclined to do things that you genuinely want to do. It is better to fulfill a specific craving than to mindlessly eat things that are in front of you. For example, let's say you are craving ice cream and you buy it from your favorite ice cream shop. In this case, you are conscientiously making a decision based on a craving and therefore being mindful with what you want.
2. Say Hello to Meditation!
In times of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and stress (everyone goes through it every now and then), take 10 minutes and just relax and listen to a meditation. I highly suggest searching on YouTube: "guided meditation to alleviate stress," or "guided meditation to improve mood." I also like meditations from Dr. Deepak Chopra.
3. Do more things that make you happy.
Whether it is pilates, golfing, kickboxing, fantasy football or learning a new language, make sure to incorporate activities that make you happy regularly!
4. Give your pantry a makeover.
We are more likely to snack mindlessly on foods that are in front of us. Stock your pantry and refrigerator with healthier snacks such as fruit, nuts, good quality cheeses (pecorino romano), olives, etc. The less processed foods you eat, the better your body will be at recognizing physiological hunger and satiety signals. After a meal, leptin hormones signal to our brain that we are full and to stop eating. However, too many processed foods can interfere with this. The goal is to be more in tune with both ghrelin hormone (which tells us we are hungry) and the satiety hormone, leptin.
5. Chew more slowly!
The art of mindful eating will help you to enjoy the dining experience, be more appreciative of the color, texture and flavors of the food and will also improve your digestion. Chewing slowly and more thoroughly before swallowing allows the amylase enzyme to break down starches in your mouth before it gets to the stomach. Try putting your fork and knife down while chewing and savoring the flavor!