The beginning of 2022 is turning out to be another challenging period to navigate. Of
course, most years start with the familiar feeling we must implement changes to keep us
as healthy as we can be. By now, we’ve probably summoned up the courage to try on
that pair of pants, showing just how much the festive excess has impacted our body. Or,
the braver among us may have even stepped on the scales, with one eye open, to see it
all in numbers.

However, this year we have another anxiety-inducing ceremony to add to this with the
continual Coronavirus testing that has become part of our routines. In that brief window
of time waiting for the red lines to appear, or hopefully not, we inevitably find ourselves
making plans for what will happen in the worst-case scenario. All of which can have a
profound effect on both our bodies and our minds.

Feed Your Head

It’s long been established that a healthy body feeds a healthy mind and vice versa. The
benefits from keeping both in check are considerable for all aspects of our lives, from
staying fit and able in our physical activity to staying focussed and sharp in the way we
think and feel.

January is rife with references to this through the diets and lifestyle change plans that
make up most of the tv schedules, and the bombardment of gym membership offers we
see on social media. It’s always so easy to think that the answer will be found by
committing to one, or more, of these.

Stop. Think. Eat

It’s no surprise to realise that the answer is an awful lot simpler for us to understand. If
we can find the right approach to align a better mental health outlook, with an active

lifestyle, and healthy eating choices, then we should be well on the way to getting back
into those pants, with a clearer mind too.

The art of Mindful Eating is here to help. That’s why we’ve put together five simple steps
for us all to remember for a happier, healthier self. This really isn’t rocket science, and
definitely isn’t an expensive, faddy thing to try. Nevertheless, it helps to remind us of
those all-important basics.

The Top Quote Top Five for Mindful Eating

  1. Just Eat. This isn’t an advert for a takeaway service, just pure advice. When
    you’re eating, recognise what you’re doing and make time for it. This isn’t the
    place for multitasking. Concentrate on what and how much you’re eating.
  2. Slow Down. We’re all aware that it takes around 20 minutes for our brains to
    catch up with our bodies and know when we’re full. So, let’s take a breath
    between bites, put down our forks occasionally, and chew, chew, chew.
  3. Ask Questions. How hungry are you? How is eating making you feel? Often, we
    can create habits around eating. We associate it with other activities, certain
    times, certain moods etc. A few simple questions can help us recognise what we
    really need.
  4. Drink Water. If it’s good enough for lions, then it’s good enough for us! Staying
    hydrated is essential to our approach to eating. Certain signals from the brain for
    hydration can be misinterpreted as hunger, so it’s always good to stay topped up
    with a bottle or glass nearby.
  5. Appreciate It. This may sound devastatingly simple, but it has the biggest
    impact. Eating is a joyful thing so take a moment to really appreciate what you
    are tasting and actually doing. This works even better if you’re with family and
    loved ones. Savour every moment!

The Complete View
A holistic, complete view of all of our life admin will always seem like a daunting task.
That’s why it’s a good idea to get a little help when needed. Top Quote is committed to

helping you, and your loved ones, get the most from your existing life insurance policies
in the simplest way possible.

Our team have the perfect combination of knowledge and experience to guarantee that
you’re covered in the way that suits you perfectly, for now and for the future.