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Özge Zeytin Bildirici

Hi, I am Özge Zeytin Bildirici. I am a university lecturer, mindfulness life coach and an accredited mindfulness teacher. I am not only the person who tells you what to do, but also the person who used the techniques in my life. I, myself lost 20 kg by using mindful eating. If you suffer from anxiety, stress, being overweight or in debt, I can help you. change your mind, change your life.
Mindful Eating
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About Özge Zeytin Bildirici

Hi, I am Özge Zeytin Bildirici. I am a university lecturer, mindfulness life coach and an accredited mindfulness teacher. I am not only the person who tells you what to do, but also the person who used the techniques in my life. I, myself lost 20 kg by using mindful eating. If you suffer from anxiety, stress, being overweight or in debt, I can help you. change your mind, change your life.

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On Core Spirit since March 2023
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Özge Zeytin Bildirici
Mastering Mindful Eating: Cultivating a Positive Relationship with Food

Mindful eating is an approach to eating that involves being fully present and attentive to the experience of eating. It is a practice that draws on mindfulness, a technique that has been used for centuries in various spiritual and meditative practices. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment with an open, non-judgmental attitude. In the context of eating, mindfulness means paying attention to the taste, smell, and texture of food, as well as the sensations in the body before, during, and after eating. This article explores the psychology of mindful eating, including its benefits, the factors that influence our eating behaviors, and practical tips for incorporating mindful eating into daily life.

Benefits of Mindful Eating

There are several benefits to practicing mindful eating. One of the most significant benefits is that it can help individuals to become more aware of their hunger and satiety cues. When we eat mindlessly, we may ignore these cues and eat beyond what our bodies actually need, leading to overeating and weight gain. By paying attention to our bodies, we can learn to eat when we are hungry and stop when we are full, which can lead to healthier eating habits and weight management.

Another benefit of mindful eating is that it can enhance the pleasure and enjoyment of eating. By savoring each bite and paying attention to the sensory experience of eating, we can increase our enjoyment of food and reduce the tendency to overeat. Additionally, mindful eating can reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. When we eat mindlessly, we may turn to food as a way to cope with stress or negative emotions. By being more present and aware during meals, we can reduce emotional eating and increase our ability to regulate our emotions.

Another benefit of mindful eating is that it can also help individuals develop a greater appreciation for food and the people who prepare it. By taking the time to savor and enjoy each bite, we can learn to recognize the complexity and richness of different flavors and textures. This can lead to a greater sense of gratitude and appreciation for the food we eat, as well as for the people who grow, prepare, and serve it.

In addition to the benefits mentioned earlier, it can improve our digestive health. When we eat mindfully, we may be more likely to chew our food thoroughly, which can aid in digestion and nutrient absorption. Additionally, by paying attention to the sensations in our bodies before, during, and after eating, we can become more aware of any digestive issues or discomfort and take steps to address them.

Challenges of Practicing Mindful Eating

While there are many benefits to practicing mindful eating, there can also be challenges to incorporating this practice into our daily lives. One of the main challenges is that it can be difficult to slow down and be present during meals, especially if we are used to eating quickly or multitasking while we eat. Additionally, practicing mindful eating may require us to confront and work through emotional issues related to food and eating, such as guilt or shame around certain foods.

Factors Influencing Eating Behaviors

There are several factors that can influence our eating behaviors, including psychological, environmental, and social factors. Understanding these factors can help us to develop strategies for incorporating mindful eating into our lives.

  1. Psychological Factors

One of the psychological factors that can influence eating behaviors is stress. When we are under stress, our bodies release cortisol, a hormone that can increase our appetite and lead to overeating. Additionally, stress can make it more difficult to pay attention to our hunger and satiety cues, leading to mindless eating.

Another psychological factor that can influence eating behaviors is ** emotional regulation**. People who struggle to regulate their emotions may turn to food as a way to cope with negative emotions, leading to emotional eating. Additionally, people who experience negative emotions such as depression or anxiety may have difficulty paying attention to their hunger and satiety cues, leading to overeating or undereating.

  1. Environmental Factors

The environment in which we eat can also influence our eating behaviors. For example, eating in front of the TV or computer can distract us from paying attention to our food and lead to overeating. Additionally, the size of our plates, bowls, and glasses can influence how much we eat. Research has shown that people tend to eat more when they are given larger portions, even if they do not feel hungry.

  1. Social Factors

Social factors can also influence our eating behaviors. For example, we may eat more when we are in the company of others, especially if they are eating more than we are. Additionally, we may be influenced by social norms around food, such as the expectation that we should finish everything on our plates or the idea that certain foods are “good” or “bad.”

Tips for Incorporating Mindful Eating

There are several strategies that can help individuals incorporate mindful eating into their daily lives.

  1. Eat without distractions. Avoid eating in front of the TV, computer, or other screens. Instead, focus on the food and the experience of eating.

  2. Use all your senses. Pay attention to the taste, smell, and texture of the food.

  3. Eat slowly. Take the time to chew your food thoroughly and savor each bite. This can help you become more aware of your hunger and satiety cues.

  4. Check in with your body. Before, during, and after eating, take a moment to check in with your body. Notice any physical sensations, such as hunger or fullness, and use this information to guide your eating.

  5. Practice mindfulness outside of mealtime. Practicing mindfulness in other areas of your life can help you become more present and aware during meals. Try incorporating mindfulness into activities such as walking or yoga.

  6. Reduce distractions in your environment. If possible, eat in a calm and quiet environment without distractions such as loud music or noisy conversations.

  7. Practice gratitude. Take a moment before eating to express gratitude for the food and the effort that went into preparing it. This can help you approach eating with a positive and appreciative mindset.

  8. Start small. If practicing mindful eating feels overwhelming, start by incorporating it into one meal or snack per day. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend eating mindfully as you become more comfortable with the practice.

  9. Practice self-compassion. Be kind and patient with yourself as you work to develop a practice of mindful eating. Recognize that it may take time and practice to develop this skill.

  10. Experiment with different types of mindfulness practices. In addition to mindful eating, there are many other types of mindfulness practices that can help you develop a greater sense of present-moment awareness. Try incorporating practices such as meditation, yoga, or mindful breathing into your daily routine.

  11. Focus on the process, not the outcome. Rather than focusing on achieving a certain weight or body shape, focus on the process of developing a more mindful relationship with food. This can help you stay motivated and engaged in the practice, even if you do not see immediate changes in your body.

  12. Seek support. If you are struggling to incorporate mindful eating into your life, seek support from a therapist or nutritionist who specializes in mindful eating. They can provide guidance and support as you work to develop this practice.

Conclusion

Practicing mindful eating is a powerful tool for improving our relationship with food and promoting overall health and well-being. While there may be challenges to incorporating this practice into our daily lives, the benefits are numerous, including increased awareness of our hunger and satiety cues, improved digestion, and a greater appreciation for food and the people who prepare it. By following the tips outlined in this article and seeking support when needed, you can develop a regular practice of mindful eating and cultivate a more positive and balanced relationship with food.

Özge Zeytin Bildirici
The Power of Mindful Eating: How to Develop a Healthier Relationship with Food

Mindful eating is an approach to eating that focuses on bringing awareness and attention to the food we eat, the process of eating, and our own internal experiences related to eating. It involves paying attention to our hunger and fullness cues, savoring the flavors and textures of our food, and eating with intention and without distraction.

While the concept of mindful eating may seem simple, it can be challenging to practice in our fast-paced, technology-driven world where we are often multitasking and on-the-go. However, research has shown that practicing mindful eating can have numerous benefits for our physical and mental health.

One of the primary benefits of mindful eating is that it can help us to develop a healthier relationship with food. For many people, food is a source of anxiety, guilt, and shame. We may feel like we have to restrict our intake in order to meet a certain aesthetic ideal, or we may feel like we need to constantly monitor our food intake in order to maintain a certain weight. This can lead to disordered eating patterns, such as binge eating or restrictive eating, that can have negative impacts on our physical and mental health.

By practicing mindful eating, we can break free from these patterns by learning to listen to our bodies and honor our hunger and fullness cues. We can also learn to approach food with curiosity and without judgment, allowing us to make choices that are based on our own unique needs and preferences.

Another benefit of mindful eating is that it can help to improve our digestion and absorption of nutrients. When we eat mindfully, we are more likely to chew our food thoroughly, which can help to break it down more effectively and improve our body's ability to absorb nutrients. Additionally, by slowing down and savoring our food, we can become more aware of the flavors and textures of our meals, which can enhance our enjoyment and satisfaction of our food.

In addition to its physical health benefits, mindful eating can also have numerous mental health benefits. For example, research has found that practicing mindful eating can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as improve our mood and overall sense of well-being.

This is because mindful eating encourages us to be fully present in the moment and to approach our food with a sense of curiosity and openness. By focusing on the present moment and our own internal experiences, we can become more aware of our thoughts and emotions, and learn to respond to them in a more compassionate and constructive way.

So how can we start practicing mindful eating? Here are a few more tips to help you get started:

  1. Practice mindful grocery shopping: Before you even start preparing your meals, take a mindful approach to grocery shopping. Focus on choosing whole, nutrient-dense foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Try to avoid processed or junk foods that are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.

  2. Use mindfulness cues: Use mindfulness cues throughout your meal, such as taking a few deep breaths before eating, using mindful table settings, or lighting a candle to help create a peaceful and mindful environment.

  3. Eat in silence: One way to eliminate distractions during mealtime is to eat in silence. This can help you to focus on your food and your body, and to be fully present in the moment.

  4. Listen to your body: Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues, and try to eat when you are hungry and stop when you are full. Don't eat just because you think you should or because it's a certain time of day.

  5. Savor your food: Take the time to really taste and savor your food. Notice the colors, smells, and textures of your meal, and savor each bite.

  6. Let go of judgment: Practice non-judgment and self-compassion around your food choices. Recognize that there are no "good" or "bad" foods, and that it's okay to indulge in your favorite treats from time to time.

  7. Avoid multitasking: When you eat, avoid multitasking or doing other activities at the same time, such as watching TV or working. This can make it difficult to be fully present and mindful during mealtime.

  8. Mindful cooking: Mindful eating can also be extended to the cooking process. When preparing meals, focus on the smells, textures, and colors of the ingredients. Try to stay present in the moment and enjoy the process of cooking. You can also practice gratitude for the food you are cooking and the opportunity to nourish yourself and others.

  9. Mindful snacking: Mindful eating can also be practiced with snacks. If you're craving a snack, take a few deep breaths before indulging and pay attention to the flavors and textures of the snack. Avoid mindless snacking while doing other activities, such as scrolling on your phone or watching TV.

  10. Be patient and persistent: Mindful eating is a practice, and it may take some time to develop the habit of eating mindfully. Be patient with yourself and try to incorporate mindful eating practices into your daily routine consistently.

In addition to these tips, there are also a number of mindfulness techniques that can help to enhance your overall sense of well-being and improve your relationship with food. For example, practicing mindfulness meditation can help to cultivate a greater sense of awareness and presence in the moment, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety and improve our overall sense of well-being.

Another technique that can be helpful is body scanning, which involves slowly scanning through different parts of your body and noticing any sensations or tension. This can help you to become more aware of your body and your own internal experiences, which can help to reduce stress and improve your overall sense of well-being.

In conclusion, mindful eating is an approach to eating that emphasizes awareness, presence, and intentionality. It can help us to develop a healthier relationship with food, improve our digestion and absorption of nutrients, and enhance our overall sense of well-being. By incorporating mindfulness practices into our daily routine and approaching food with curiosity and openness, we can learn to listen to our bodies and honor our own unique needs and preferences, ultimately leading to a more balanced and nourishing relationship with food.

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New article The Power of Mindful Eating: How to Develop a Healthier Relationship with Food already available! corespirit.com/articles/the-power-of-mindful-…