Eat. Drink. Be Mindful Chapter 2

I know its been a while. Getting back in the swing of things on the blog has been a bit difficult. I forget to post but anyway.


Chapter 2 - What is mindful eating?

• I believe when we began this workbook. I believe I discussed mindful eating. A quick overview, Its not a diet. One will not cut out foods or drinks. One would not even count calories. Mindful eating is being aware of what one is eating. To be fully present when eating...to focus on eating and the food. One learns to become aware of our mind and body. One will learn to identify hunger and fullness cues. Also, one will be able to identify mindless eating triggers. 

Three Steps to Mindful Eating Using the Mind and Mouth

• Tune in to the physical characteristics of food
• Tune in to repetitive habits and the process of eating
• Tune in to mindless eating triggers

Seven Skills of a Mindful Eater

• Awareness
• Observation
• Being in the moment
• Being mindful of the Environement
• Nonjudgment
• Letting go
• Acceptance

Reading this section, I found that these components of mindful eating are the key to gaining an healthy relationship with food. I wont go into detail. I believe when you attempt to eat a meal today or in the near future, you should implement these skills and document the feelings accompanied with attempting this and each skill. 

When are you cured

I ask myself if I will ever crave or indulge in food once I find success in mindful eating. HECK YEAH!!! I love food. However, I want to find balance. I want to respond differently to those craves and indulging in tasty food. I want to eat to enjoy the taste, the feeling while eating. If I eat my maple cupcake with caramel frosting. I want to enjoy every sensation. I want to remember eating and enjoy every minute. I have eaten without thought and without a full enjoyment. You probably have to. Eating driving to work, watching a movie while eating dinner, and any of those situations that we are eating and not taking time to REALLY be mindful while eating.

The Mindful Eating Motto

As I continue to review this workbook by Susan Albers, PSY,D. I have found that she includes mantras and mottos throughout the book. She encourages to make Eat, Drink, and be mindful our manta. Repeat it to ourselves frequently to assist in changing our direction of thought.

 Albers, S. (2008). Eat, drink, and be mindful: How to end your struggle with mindless eating and start savoring food with intention and joy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications. 

Eat, Drink, and be Mindful. Chapter 1...and update

I have been trying to be more active on my blog and I am sorry I have been absent for a few days. My sinuses and allergies have me going. I have my medicine sitting right next to me. My last summer class, I finished with an 98%. Go me!! Just started another class Monday. I want to duplicate my success. Wish me luck!!!!

Now on to Chaper 1.

What is a mindful state of mind

I wont go in depth about what is mindfulness. I dont want to bore you. I have taught mindfulness and if you want me to go in depth, please let me know.

The first exercised asked to be practiced is attempting to be mentally present with all you encounter. For example, if you speak to someone by asking how they are doing,  be an present when people are speaking. Focus on the person's facial features, tone, and expression. Note how if feels to be completely present with others. Note the challenges of being completely present. If your mind wondered where did you go? What were you thinking? Why was if difficult to remain present in the conversation? Did the person recognize you being present.

Well today, I tried to be present with everyone I encountered. I had one situation that I realized that I drifted off the conversation. Where did I go? TV What was I thinking? I was speaking with my husband and found a new show...at least a new show to me. Paternity Court. While watching this show it was definitely difficult to focus. I couldnt focus because the show had me full of amazement. I realized my husband had said something that I really didnt hear. Did he notice?  He sure did. He didnt say anthing but I did realize he told me he would talk to me later and I should enjoy my free time. No hard feelings from him but when I realized what I was doing I did feel bad.

My goal is to focus on being present with people. I believe they deserve my full attention and if I can not offer my attention I should express such.

I understand being mindful takes lots and lots of practice. It will take time to fully engage in situations mindfully. However, one should recognize when he or she is not being mindful and ask oneself why.

I will make this series a weekly thing. If you should have any questions, please let me know. I will talk to you later.

I will be back tomorrow. Lets discuss goal setting for the future and saving money. I suck at savings but I want to be better and I have a few tips that have been working for me and I would love to find a few more tips that will assist in my goal.

Checking in

I know. I know. I promised a post and didn't follow though. Sorry! Been sick and I must use a couple of sick days. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. I will be working on my first week of mindful eating today with a post to follow. See you soon.

Currently Reading: Wrapped in Pleasure

picture via www.romanticrealism.com

I try to get in a new book every other week....I TRY!!!

My love mystery, anything spy related and romance.

This week, I am beginning a romance novel by one of my favorite authors. Brenda Jackson.

"Two Westmoreland novels—one classic and one new—from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Brenda Jackson

Delaney's Desert Sheikh

A mix-up in Delaney Westmoreland's vacation plans forces her to share a cabin with a tall, dark and oh-so-handsome sheikh who is bent on her seduction. Jamal Ari Yasir intends to school Delaney in sensuality for his own pleasure. But instead of loving and leaving her, he becomes enraptured by an irresistible and unforgettable passion for his sexy-as-sin roommate. Can the arrogant sheikh convince his secret lover that they are fated for more than just a summer fling?

Seduced by a Stranger

Johari Yasir has no interest in returning to her homeland to marry a man she's never met—at least, not without sowing some wild oats first. And when a handsome charmer offers to whisk her away in his private plane, she impulsively accepts. Rasheed Valdemon is shocked that his bride-to-be would fly off with someone she barely knows— even though he's the one doing the asking. More surprising is his hunger for this lovely, rebellious woman. Yet what will happen when she realizes she's been seduced by the man who's destined to be her husband?"

Finished 1 class 2 to go.

Last week I completed yet another course. I am so close to the finish line and I cannot wait. I really didn't have much to talk about today. I decided to complete that mindful eating workbook. I will share each chapter with you as I complete it.

Chapter 1 is basically the introduction and assessment to mindful eating. I will be back tomorrow to share my results and what I have personally learned.

How's the eating going? This meme should answer your question.



I decided to invest in another treadmill. My handsome husband cracker the base of the last machine and I gave it away to someone who wanted to invest in the repair.

So I will end this here. I dont want to ramble. Talk to you tomorrow.

Mindful Eating

Hey Guys, I was wondering if you wanted to complete a mindful eating self-help guide. 

I purchased the book Eating Mindfully: How to End Mindless Eating and Enjoy a Balanced Relationship with Food, Edition 

I wrote a  few papers on mindful eating using a few mindful eating guides but never actually completed the exercises to eat more mindful. I think I want to try it out soon. 


According to Am I hungry.com 
Mindful eating is eating with intention and attention:

Eating with the intention of caring for yourself

Eating with the attention necessary for noticing and enjoying your food and its effects on your body

As you can see, mindful eating is much more than “eating slowly, without distraction.” While that’s certainly an important part of it, at Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating Programs and Training, we believe that mindful eating encompasses the entire process of eating:

Awareness of your physical and emotional cues
Recognition of your non-hunger triggers for eating
Learning to meet your other needs in more effective ways than eating

Choosing food for both enjoyment and nourishment
Eating for optimal satisfaction and satiety

Using the fuel you’ve consumed to live the vibrant life you crave


This broad application makes mindful eating a powerful tool for developing a healthier, happier relationship with food."

I will make time soon to complete the workbook and when I do I will share each step with you. 

I w

Review: ProX by Olay Advanced Cleansing System

I have not done a review in years but I really liked my first impression of the is product I just had to share. Went to CVS today and had a $3 off of $15 coupon for facial products. CVS also offered a $2 extra buck reward for the purchase of this product. The original cost is $24.99 with a $3 coupon and $2 cash back.


This advanced cleasing system offers  a 2-speed facial brush, 2 double A batteries, and an exfoliating renewal cleanser. It claims to be water resistant since it was made for the shower but should not be submerged in water. You must replace the facial brush every 3 months. This exfoliating system can be used daily. Despite having the exfoliation cream coming with the product, Olay says you can use any cleanser for a deep cleansing experience.

It claims to cleanse hard to remove makeup and assist in maximizing the immediate moisturizing and assists with anti-aging moisturizers.

I have only used the product twice but so far, I think I like it. I see these cleansing brushes all over youtube. A lot of beauty gurus offering discount codes for different companies. I have to be honest, I really didnt pay too much attention. I did notice a few different brands in my local big boxes but never really took interest. However, coupons do motivate me. I did notice an instant shine and it left my skin feeling extra clean. I feel that it does everything it claims and I think it was worth the purchase. I will experiment with other products with the brush but Im pretty sure it will work great.

The refill brush retails at  around 8 bucks.

Soooo if you are interested in trying it out, give it a shot. Tell me what you think.

How is my diet going??? Its going. I need to go workout. I have been debating for years to get certified as a group fitness instructor but I am not sure of the investment. I will speak with you about this further later. I need to make dinner. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. See ya tomorrow.