What I have learned this month is that most of us eat without thinking at some point or another during the day. It may be part of our routine, it could be that we are too tired or busy to notice the food or amount that we are consuming, or it may be that we think we know what we are eating or drinking, but we are not actually aware.

If one is trying to lose weight, manage weight, or focus on healthier eating habits, there is a part of eating or drinking awareness that needs to occur. We have talked about keeping track of food intake by documenting it in a daily food diary. In addition to this, it’s important to make a conscious effort to be aware of the food we eat. Do we take the time to taste the food and enjoy the aroma, flavor, and texture? This past month, I have learned that one can consume both food and drink in large quantities, but be unable to report what and how much was ingested, the time taken to consume it, and whether or not it was enjoyable. This unconscious eating can add hundreds of calories to a diet and derail you from making healthier choices.

It is time to return to an earlier era, when food was consumed at a table. The first step to eating and drinking awareness includes sitting down with each meal (even for snacks), paying attention to the food or drink being consumed, enjoying the flavors, and ceasing to eat something that does not taste good. Plan ahead the timing of meals to prevent unconscious eating, such as snacking in the car, in front of the television, or while working/playing on the computer. Take that extra minute to be aware of what you are drinking or eating, whether it tastes good, and most importantly, whether it is a healthy choice.

Feel free to e-mail Gillian Goodfriend your questions or comments at ggoodfri@uic.edu.