Mindful Eating: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Snack 

Everyone’s a Nutrition Expert

There are few things in life that spark more unsolicited advice than eating. Honestly, you’d think deciding what to put in your mouth was a national sport. If I had a dollar for every time someone told me carbs were the devil, fat was a friend, or kale would save my soul, I’d be living off truffle oil and champagne (but I probably wouldn’t be digesting it very well).

Food Is Not the Enemy

Let’s be clear: food is not the enemy. Neither is it some magical life solution wrapped in a chia seed. Over the years, I’ve been bombarded by the “do this, don’t do that” diet culture disguised as wellness, and to be honest—it’s exhausting. Eat clean. Eat raw. Fast for 18 hours. Don’t eat after 6pm. Only eat between 12:01 and 3:17. Is it any wonder I found myself at 6:55pm, hunched over a bowl of cereal like a squirrel caught in the pantry?

When My Body Said “Enough”

The turning point for me came, unsurprisingly, when my body finally sent me the “enough is enough” memo—via a rather grumpy bowel. (There’s nothing quite like a gastrointestinal rebellion to inspire lifestyle change.) I realised then that the most important diet I could follow was the one that actually worked for me. And that’s where mindful eating changed the game.

What Mindful Eating Really Means

Mindful eating isn’t about restriction, for me it’s about slowing down, listening to my body, paying attention, and making an intentional choice. Sounds easy, right? It’s not. Especially when I am standing at the fridge at 7:30pm with no dinner plan and a strong craving for toast and regret.

Learning What Works (and What Doesn’t)

But slowly, I started to notice what worked—and what didn’t. Large meals left me bloated and uncomfortable. Skipping meals made me cranky (okay, let’s be honest, ‘hangry’). What actually made me feel good? Small, regular meals. Snacks, really. Up to six times a day. I try to keep my energy up and my tummy calm. The hardest part for me is breaking free from the traditional three-meals-a-day doctrine. However, it has worked for me.

The (Realistic) Magic of Meal Planning

I’ve also learned the magic of meal planning. And by “magic,” I mean reducing the number of times cereal becomes dinner. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good poached egg, but after the third night in a row it starts to feel like the culinary equivalent of being ghosted by my own motivation. So now, I plan ahead—not rigidly, but realistically. I keep snack-friendly foods on hand, prep what I can in advance, and build in flexibility. Because life happens. Sometimes you eat quinoa. Sometimes you eat chips. Mindful eating makes space for both—as my mum always says, “everything in moderation including moderation!”

The Science Behind It

There’s real science behind this, too. Studies show mindful eating can improve digestion, reduce bingeing, and increase satisfaction. It’s linked to better mood, more stable blood sugar, and even lower stress levels. And all without giving up bread and pasta!

A Quiet Act of Self-Care

At its core, mindful eating is another form of self-care. It’s saying to yourself: “You matter enough to be nourished. You are worth the time and attention it takes to feel well.” In a world where we’re constantly told to push through, to ignore hunger or distract ourselves from feelings, this small act of paying attention is quietly radical.

My Version of Balance

So no, I don’t follow the latest food trends. I don’t count calories. I don’t demonise sugar—and especially not chocolate! (Although I do try not to inhale it like a Dyson). I simply eat in a way that supports my body, my health, and my happiness.

Final Thoughts: Quinoa or Cornflakes?

And that’s what mindful eating looks like for me. Small meals, planning, listening—and the occasional cereal dinner. Because sometimes, self-care looks like quinoa. And sometimes, it looks like cornflakes.