Could Being Mindful Lead To Less Belly Fat?

There is a lot of talk these days about being mindful. Taking time to slow down and think about what you are doing and how you are feeling can be truly beneficial on many levels. A recent study has found that “dispositional mindfulness” may go a long way to reducing your risk of obesity.

Dispositional mindfulness is not the same thing as mindfulness meditation. It is being aware of, and paying attention to, your current thoughts and feelings. It is generally an inherent personality trait, but it can be taught so don’t worry if you feel like this is an area in which you struggle.

The study looked at 400 people and found that those who were more aware of their current feelings, or in other words those who exhibited dispositional mindfulness, were less likely to be obese and had less belly fat than those who lacked this awareness.

The study’s lead author, Eric Loucks of Brown University School of Public Health, says that this sort of mindfulness is an everyday way of being and not a state of meditation. Loucks notes, however, that this study measured only an association and does not prove that mindfulness can lead to weight loss.

Loucks also notes that mindfulness may be the cognitive tool some people require to overcome their cravings and unhealthy eating habits. Countless other studies have shown that mindfulness can help people alter their eating habits as well as assist them in initiating exercise routines. People often feel ambivalent about starting a workout but feel great when they finish. Mindfulness can get them over that hurdle.

Do you think there is something to all this research? Do you think being more aware of your inner workings can help you to adopt a healthier lifestyle?

If you think you need more than mindfulness, check out the BodyRock Meal Plan. This 30 day menu planner also comes with a detailed nutrition guide and an added recipe book with over 70 offerings! Clean eating never looked this easy.

Source: dna

1. Prev:This Is What Skipping Meals Actually Does To Your Body
2. Next:Could Food Porn Be Making You Fatter?