Could the secret to weight loss and better health be as simple as paying attention to what’s on your plate? Yes, says Juaquito Jorge, M.D., Weight Management Specialist and Bariatric Surgeon with Piedmont Weight Management & Bariatric Surgery in Augusta. “In today’s fast-paced world, we often rush through meals, multitasking while eating and barely noticing what we consume,” Dr. Jorge explains. “Mindful eating, a practice of being fully present during meals, can transform your relationship with food, improve your health and even support weight loss.”

Here's how mindful eating works and how to incorporate it into your daily life.

1. What Is Mindful Eating?

Dr. Jorge says mindful eating is about being fully aware of what you’re eating while you’re eating. This involves slowing down, savoring each bite and paying attention to the taste, texture, smell and appearance of your food. It also means listening to your body’s hunger and fullness cues to avoid overeating.

“Mindful eating can help you identify emotional or environmental triggers for overeating, such as stress, boredom or distractions,” Dr. Jorge says. “By addressing these triggers, you can make more intentional food choices.”

2. Benefits of Mindful Eating

Mindful eating offers several benefits, according to Dr. Jorge, for both physical and mental health:

• Improved Digestion: Eating slowly allows your body to digest food properly, reducing bloating and discomfort.
• Better Portion Control: Paying attention to hunger cues helps prevent overeating.
• Enhanced Enjoyment: Savoring each bite makes meals more satisfying.
• Reduced Emotional Eating: Recognizing emotional triggers helps break the cycle of using food as a coping mechanism.

3. How to Practice Mindful Eating

Dr. Jorge stresses that incorporating mindful eating into your routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical tips:

• Eliminate Distractions: Turn off the TV, put away your phone, and focus solely on your meal.
• Chew Slowly: Aim to chew each bite thoroughly before swallowing.
• Pause Between Bites: Set your fork down between bites to slow down your eating pace.
• Listen to Your Body: Check in with yourself during meals — are you still hungry or just eating out of habit?
• Start a Food Journal: Record what you eat, when you eat it, and how you feel afterward. This can help identify patterns that lead to overeating.

4. Foods That Support Mindful Eating

A healthy diet rich in whole foods can complement mindful eating practices, Dr. Jorge says. These are:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Packed with fiber and nutrients that promote fullness.
• Lean Proteins: Help stabilize blood sugar levels and keep you satisfied.
• Whole Grains: Provide long-lasting energy without causing blood sugar spikes.
• Minimize highly processed foods high in sugar or salt, as they can trigger cravings and disrupt mindful eating habits.

5. Overcoming Challenges

Mindful eating can be challenging at first, especially if you’re used to eating on the go or multitasking during meals. Dr. Jorge stresses to start small by practicing mindfulness during one meal a day. Over time, it will become a natural part of your routine.

If emotional eating is a barrier for you, consider working with a therapist or registered dietitian specializing in behavioral health and nutrition, he says. “They can provide strategies tailored to your needs.”

Encouragement for Your Journey

“Mindful eating isn’t about perfection or restriction — it’s about building a healthier relationship with food, Dr. Jorge says. “By slowing down and tuning into your body’s signals, you can enjoy meals more fully while making choices that support your health and well-being.”