According to Buddhist teacher, Sogyal Rinpoche, mindfulness is the practice of presence. It means bringing the mind home to concentrate on what’s going on right now. When applied to eating, mindfulness means becoming conscious of not only what we eat, but also how.
During the holidays, we’re drawn into situations where eating becomes a social act and we often let go of our best intentions to eat for health. But by practicing mindful eating, it’s possible to make it through the season without guilt and regret. 
Mindful eating starts with conscious decisions. Before going out to those holiday dinners or parties, consciously determine what you will allow yourself to eat and drink. Will you take one desert or do you know that mom’s making your favorite pumpkin pie as well as the cheesecake? Will take smaller portions? At the upcoming office party, will you nibble on a lot of unsatisfying snacks or hold off for a decent meal later on? By reflecting ahead of time on your strategy it will make your efforts easier.
Also keep the choices healthy. Sweets may produce more acid in the body and create a fertile terrain for colds and flu. Sticking to fresh fruits and healthy foods always pays off in the long term.
Focus on the foods you choose, give thanks for them and honor them as they are transformed into nutrients to nourish the body. In monasteries the whole process of eating becomes a meditation. Monks often eat in silence and pay attention to the act of lifting the fork, chewing, tasting, enjoying and swallowing. Eating becomes an act of concentration and an opportunity to focus on the divine.
At parties and large family dinners this may be difficult to do, but stepping inward to focus on the process may also provide an instant to observe the complex and sometimes difficult feelings that arise during these emotionally charged events. It can also help you to eat reasonably. Remember it’s okay to say “no” when Aunt Bessie passes you her homemade apple pie and you really don’t want any.
By turning eating into an active meditation, it’s possible to get through the seasonal overload with a sense of balance and start the New Year off with high energy and a good weight.
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