Minds On
What are we going to eat?
Just like setting goals for being more active, it is important we set goals to eat healthy. But first, we need to figure out what, when, why, where, and how we eat. Canada’s Food Guide states that our eating habits are very important for making healthy eating choices. It is called being mindful of what we eat.
Think about mindful eating habits as you explore the carousel of photos.
Record your thoughts of the examples in each photo of mindful eating habits, and healthy eating choices.
Action
Practise mindful eating
Being mindful of your eating habits means being aware of:
- how you eat
- why you eat
- what you eat
- when you eat
- where you eat
- how much you eat
- using your senses to touch, smell, and taste
- how much you enjoy your food
- how food is prepared and with whom
- where meals are eaten
Think back to the last time you ate…
Describe a recent eating experience. Consider what you ate, where you ate, when you ate, why you ate, and how you ate. Identify what you might have done to make it healthier.
Record your response using the My Eating Habits printable and fillable document. You can also use another method of your choice.
| What did I eat? | When did I eat? | Why did I eat? | Where did I eat? | How did I eat? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access My Eating Habits.
Being aware of your eating habits is important. You may not always have control over what you eat, but you can do your best to make informed choices to develop healthier personal eating habits. For example, you can make water your drink of choice, if possible. However, healthy eating is about more than just the foods you eat; it is also about where, when, why, and how you eat.
Student Success
Think-Pair-Share
Describe your recent eating experience referring to your chart and identify what you might have done to make it healthier.
If possible, share your thoughts with a partner.
Note to teachers: See your teacher guide for collaboration tools, ideas and suggestions.
Increasing awareness
Consider the following scenarios. As you review each one, decide how the scenario could be changed to be more mindful of healthy eating habits.
If possible, share your thoughts with a partner.
Press the following tabs to access each scenario.
Consolidation
Time to plan
Task #1
Keep track of the various food and drink items you consume throughout the week.
Record your choices using the My Food and Beverage Log in your notebook or using the following printable and fillable document. You can also use another method of your choice.
| Day of the Week | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Snacks | Things I noticed about my mindful eating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Monday |
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Tuesday |
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Wednesday |
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Thursday |
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Friday |
Press the ‘Activity’ button to access My Food and Beverage Log.
Task #2
Do you recognize any eating habits from your week’s choices? Create a healthy eating plan for next week.
Be sure to include at least three meals per day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and two snacks. Include your drinks as well. In the far column, include a mindful eating goal.
Here is an example meal plan.
| Day of the Week | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Snacks | Goals I am going to set to improve my mindful eating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday |
Oatmeal Banana Milk |
Turkey wrap Sliced cheese Water |
Baked chicken Steamed broccoli Sweet potato wedges Milk |
Veggie sticks and hummus 2 clementines Water |
Eat dinner at the table instead of in front of the TV |
Complete the Setting Healthy and Mindful Eating Goals in your notebook or using the following fillable and printable document. You can also use another method of your choice.
| Day of the Week | Breakfast | Snack | Lunch | Snack | Dinner | Goals I am going to set to improve my mindful eating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Monday |
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Tuesday |
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Wednesday |
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Thursday |
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Friday |
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Saturday |
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Sunday |
Press the Activity button to access the Setting Healthy and Mindful Eating Goals.
Activity (Open PDF in a new tab)Reflection
How do you feel about what you have learned in this activity? Which of the next four sentences best matches how you are feeling about your learning? Press the button that is beside this sentence.
I feel…
Now, record your ideas about your feelings using a voice recorder, speech-to-text, or writing tool.