My Journey into Mindful Eating: From “Hangry” to Happy

Hi friends, Madison here 👋—let’s talk about something that used to rule my life: food. Specifically, the kind of food you eat when you’re juggling work deadlines, trying to remember if your dog’s vet appointment was last week or next, and contemplating if coffee counts as a meal. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.

For years, I was stuck in what I now call the "grab-and-go grind." You know the one—running out the door with half a granola bar in one hand and your phone in the other, hoping traffic isn't too bad because your stomach is already growling. My "diet plan" was basically eating whatever was convenient and fit in my purse (I’m looking at you, gas station trail mix). I mean, who has time for anything else, right?

Wrong.

The Wake-Up Call (aka the Pretzel Incident)

Let me set the scene: it was a Monday (because of course it was), and I’d skipped lunch to finish a project. By 4 p.m., I was ready to bite someone’s head off—or at least their snack. I grabbed a bag of pretzels from the breakroom and started inhaling them like they were air. No flavor, no enjoyment—just pure survival mode. By the time I got to the bottom of the bag, I felt…nothing. Not full, not satisfied, just kind of gross.

That’s when it hit me: I wasn’t actually enjoying food anymore. It was just fuel. And let me tell you, that realization hit harder than my caffeine crash at 3 p.m.

Dipping My Toe into Mindful Eating

Fast forward a week. I was scrolling Instagram (as one does) when I came across a post about “mindful eating.” I clicked on it, half expecting it to be one of those overly complicated wellness trends that involves kale and chanting. But it wasn’t! It was simple stuff like:

• Eating slower.
• Actually tasting your food.
• Checking in with your body to see if you're full before reaching for seconds.

I decided to give it a try. What did I have to lose (besides my pretzel addiction)?

The First Experiment: Breakfast Without My Phone

The next morning, I made myself scrambled eggs with avocado toast (fancy, I know) and sat down at the table without my usual phone scroll. At first, it felt weird. Like, “What do people even do while eating if they’re not double-tapping photos of dogs in Halloween costumes?”

But then something magical happened: I actually noticed how creamy the avocado was, how the eggs were perfectly seasoned with just a hint of pepper. I felt...present. I didn’t scarf it down in five minutes. I ate slower, savoring every bite. And when I was done, I wasn’t just full—I felt content.

Learning to Listen to My Body

One of the hardest parts of mindful eating is figuring out the difference between actual hunger and what I call "snack boredom." (You know, when you’re not really hungry, but the chips in your pantry are calling your name?)

Now, before I eat, I ask myself a few questions:

• “Am I actually hungry?”
• “Or am I just bored/stressed/avoiding that email I don’t want to reply to?”

Turns out, I used to eat out of boredom way more than I realized. Instead, I started finding other ways to deal with those feelings—like taking a quick walk, drinking water, or (shocker) actually dealing with the email.

When I Slip Up (Because Let’s Be Real, I’m Human)

Let me be honest: I am not some mindful eating guru who never overeats or stress-snacks. Just last week, I devoured half a pizza while binge-watching Love Is Blind. Did I feel bad about it? Nope. Because part of mindful eating is also being kind to yourself.

It’s about enjoying your food, even if it’s “imperfect” sometimes. The key is balance. The next morning, I was back to my avocado toast and eggs, and all was right with the world.

The Unexpected Perks of Mindful Eating

I started this journey hoping to feel less gross after meals, but I ended up gaining so much more:

• I actually taste my food now. Who knew strawberries were so sweet?
• My energy levels are more stable (no more post-lunch crashes).
• I’m way more in tune with my body and what it needs.
• I feel lighter—not just physically, but mentally. Food isn’t a source of stress anymore.

My Final Thoughts (and a Challenge for You)

If you’ve ever found yourself eating on autopilot, I challenge you to try mindful eating for just one meal. Put your phone away, chew slower, and actually notice the flavors in your food. I promise, it’s a game-changer.

And if you slip up (because you will), give yourself some grace. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress.

Let’s keep the conversation going: What’s one food you can’t wait to savor more mindfully? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!