Sam’s blog is out and by request he is sharing his doggy wisdom on his favourite topic: eating!
Mindful eating
Mum said I should write a blog on mindful eating, especially after yet another vet visit recently; when something I “may have eaten” got a bit stuck.
To start off with, I am a Labrador……..
For me, eating mindfully is really difficult and it doesn’t exactly come naturally. There are many “causes and conditions” that lead me to eat the way I do (it is complex hey).
Maybe you relate?
When it comes to “food” I am more of an “eat now, ask questions later” kind of guy.
I must say, the definition of “food” is also rather vague.
Mum agrees that what we call food, is also somewhat debatable in the human world too. Just because it tastes nice does not necessarily mean it feeds and nourishes us.
Anyway, back to my difficulty with eating mindfully.
I am also really good at eating super-fast, again for good reason someone else might want it too….you gotta be quick around here.
The only downside of this speed eating, is that I have little time to notice if I am full up yet, or if what I am eating is agreeing with me.
I have been practicing some mindful eating that I would like to share with you…..
Urge surfing: not everything I see or smell needs to be eaten. This is a hard one, as there are so many triggers around of yummy things to eat. I am learning to surf the urge, to not just immediately act on the urge to gobble it up and wait until I am sure I want to eat it (which I pretty much always do!)
I have to “wait” for a few breath moments and be sitting comfortably before I start eating my din dins.
I am learning to sniff and look at my food before devouring it (especially recently as there have been some suspicious additions to my diner) the first mouthful is aways best taken slowly ……..
Taking a little break in the middle of my din dins helps also, as it helps me slow down and feel how full my tummy is.
I also have my food sprinkled all over the grass rather than in a bowl, maybe this could work for you too? It makes me slow down 😊 and really enjoy the flavours of my food.
Having a little post prandial rest to let things digest is very nice, even if it just 10 minutes.
I always feel really grateful for my din dins and give mum and dad a big lick and a waggy bum after I’ve finished.
Finally, and most important ……do not ever eat the cat biscuits!
love Sam
Mindfulness North Canterbury 