Body
The definition of mindfulness is “a mental state achieved by focusing one’ awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations.” Mindfulness can improve anxiety, depression, and overeating. Michelle May, M.D. developed a mindful eating program called “Am I Hungry?” She describes the program in her book Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat: Break your Eating Repent-Repeat Cycle. According to May, “Most diets fail because they are negative and unsustainable, leaving the dieter feeling guilty and disappointed. Diets focus on what people should eat without addressing why they eat in the first place.” Am I Hungry? mindful eating programs focus on changing thoughts and feelings so that behavioral changes will be sustainable.