Mindfulness

I have found that being 'mindful' has proven to be a powerful tool too help me take care of myself. It requires me to be focused and present. It also helps me be aware and accountable. I am not always as 'mindful' as I'd like to be, but more so now than I was before I had my WLS. 

To me, being 'mindful' means that I am aware of what I'm doing and accountable to myself for my actions. Everyone needs to find their own ways of doing this, but I think that we all need to do this in order to be successful in the long term.

*  Being mindful mean I get on the scale daily so that I am aware of my weight and am able to make corrections when they are still minor.
*  Being mindful means logging my intake and activity if I notice that my scales are 'swinging' more than the 7 lb range that seems normal for my body -- basically, up or down 3 lbs from my 'sweet spot'.
*  Being mindful means thinking about what I'm eating and if it is something that 'fuels' my body.
*  Being mindful means leveraging my tool and 'taking care of business first', so that I start my meal with protein, move on to colorful carbs and then indulge in whatever else I want with whatever room I have left over.
*  Being mindful means being aware of how I'm 'feeling' when I'm eating

What does being mindful mean to you?

Mindfulness has been around for many years but has just started to be applied to many things including eating and weight loss. Good for you! K

Being mindful to me means being fully accountable for what I put in my mouth for whatever reason.

Being mindful to me means making every effort to be active and take a walk or bike ride while ignoring the lame excuses why I shouldn't.

 Being mindful should be the  first of the rules on our list to follow and one that is easily forgotten. 
It means putting "me" first. To eat when I need to and how I need to. To eat alone if I feel it is necessary. To make decisions that I and only I can be accountable for. Realizing that I would rather not eat a meal  if I have a time limit. Being mindful means ifsmall pieces are necessary it doesn't mean i can eat them quickly.
Being mindful is something I do for me not for anyone else.
Wendy