How do you explain mindful eating to your clients?

by Susan Albers, Psy.D.

Try an experiential mindful eating exercise. Begin by giving your client a raisin, a slice of mandarin orange, a cracker, or a bit of chocolate. A piece of candy is often helpful to use because chocolate ignites complex emotional and physical reactions. The point of this exercise is to slow clients down, demonstrate that we are often thinking about the next piece of chocolate before we finish the one we are currently eating, focus in on the basic sensations associated with taste, and understand our emotional response to food.

Begin by asking the client to look closely at the piece of chocolate and describe it to him or herself (the color, shape, etc). Ask him/her to check in with him or herself. Does the smell bring any emotions or thoughts to mind? Ask the client to pay attention to the taste and texture of the food as they eat it and slowly swallow. Discuss what feelings and emotions came to mind. Pleased? Completely satisfied? Left wanting more? Many clients will share their emotional response—feeling guilt, memories of chocolate Easter eggs, or noticing how sweet the chocolate tasted.

Learn more about Susan Albers and her books.