Mindfulness and mindfulness meditation have become one of the fastest-growing health and wellness trends in the U.S. but if you’ve wondered, what is mindful eating?, this interview will give you everything you need to know to teach and model it for your kids. 

In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Susan Albers, a NY Times best-selling author,  and clinical psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic who specializes in eating issues, weight loss, body image concerns, and mindfulness. Dr. Albers and I talk about what mindful eating is, why it’s one of the best healthy eating habits for kids, how it can turn picky eaters into little foodies, and quick and easy ways to practice it at home.

Be sure to sign up for the free video course, Turn Your Picky Eaters Into Little Foodies: https://www.julierevelant.com/free-video-email-course/.

Welcome 

4:07 Why did you become a clinical psychologist and how did you become interested in mindful eating? 

11:02 In your practice, what do you find is a common theme around kids and mindless eating?

15:25 In what ways has the pandemic affected kids and their eating habits? 

19:50 What are some of the issues that can result from mindless eating? 

21:20 Is mindless eating a contributing factor to childhood obesity?

24:33 What are the core principles of mindful eating?

33:28 What are the differences between mindful eating and intuitive eating?

36:22 Can mindful eating prevent eating disorders? 

38:00  When kids are running around to sports and after-school activities, how can we prioritize mindful eating? 

39:52 Can mindful eating make meals less stressful?

42:34 How can mindful eating help picky eaters explore new foods?

45:00 How should we use our senses?

47:39 How can mindfulness strengthen the mind-body connection? 

49:20 How do you practice mindful eating in your home and how can we make it easy?

51:13 What would it look like if we taught mindful eating in schools?

54:28 What are your favorite ways to cope with emotional eating?

57:25 How is mindful eating a lot like picky eating? 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

Julie talks about The Zones of Regulation 

Julie mentions mindful eating programs in schools including Foodie U, a pilot program in CA, and a school in NC that has a program. 

Dr. Albers mentions she’s the author of 9 books including, “Eating Mindfully For Teens.“

Julie talks about reading Dr. Albers’ book, “50 More Ways To Soothe Yourself Without Food.” 

Learn more about Dr. Albers on EatingMindfully.com

Follow Dr. Albers on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

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