Hey there, friend. I'm Julia Cartwright, and I'm so glad you've carved out this moment for yourself today. You know what I've been noticing this time of year? Mid-November has this particular energy where we're catching our breath between the rush of fall and the chaos of the holidays. And if you're like most people I talk to, that breath might feel a little shallow when it comes to mealtimes. You're probably grabbing things on the go, eating while scrolling, maybe not even tasting what's in your mouth. So today, we're going to slow that down together. Just you, your next meal or snack, and your senses.

Let's start by settling in wherever you are right now. You don't need to change anything about your posture or your location. Just notice your feet on the ground, your body in this space. Take a long, generous breath in through your nose, all the way down to your belly. And out through your mouth. One more time. In. And out. Good. You're already here.

Now, I want you to imagine that you're about to taste something for the very first time in your life. That curiosity, that openness, that's what we're cultivating. When you eat next, whether it's in five minutes or five hours, I want you to pause before anything touches your lips. Look at your food like you're seeing it as a scientist would. What colors live there? Is there texture? Is it rough or smooth? Pick it up if you can. Notice the weight of it in your hand. This isn't about judgment. There's no good or bad here.

Then, bring it close. What does it smell like? Really take that in. Your nose is your best friend in this practice, because smell and taste are so deeply connected. Most of what we think is taste actually comes from aroma. Then, when you're ready, take a small bite. Just a small one. Let it sit on your tongue for a moment before you chew. What's the first flavor you notice? Is it sweet, salty, bitter? Does it change as you chew? Does the texture transform?

This is mindful eating. It's not about eating less or perfectly. It's about waking up to what's already happening at the table. When we eat this way, even once a day, something shifts. We enjoy our food more. We feel more satisfied. We stop using meals as just fuel and start using them as moments of genuine connection.

So here's my challenge for you today: pick one eating moment. One. And bring this curiosity to it. That's all.

Thank you so much for joining me on Mindful Eating: Daily Guides to Conscious Nutrition. I hope this practice serves you. Please subscribe so we can keep doing this together. I'll see you tomorrow.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI