As part of the blog tour for Mari L. McCarthy’s book “Heal Yourself With Journaling Power”, Mari has agreed to share with us how mindful journaling leads to mindful eating.
As someone who has struggled with weight for years, Mari’s book has helped me to journal about issues and concerns on a more regular basis and has led to my writing about my weight.
Welcome Mari!
Mindful Journaling for Mindful Eating
Food can be one of life’s greatest pleasures. Unfortunately, for many, food can also be a source of stress, guilt and judgment.
If you have a complicated relationship with food, adopting a more mindful approach to eating may be a good fit for you. Mindful eating – complemented by mindful journaling – can help you make intentional choices, savor your meals more and unravel your complex emotions around food.
Mindfulness and Journaling
Mindfulness is simply being aware of the present moment and paying attention thoughts, feelings and sensations without judgment. When you are mindful, you aren’t going through the motions on autopilot; you are purposefully bringing your focus back to the present.
Journaling is a practice that builds mindfulness. Writing in your journal helps you tune into what you are feeling and thinking right now, revealing deeper insights into your experiences.
Tips for Mindful Eating
The purpose of mindful eating isn’t to count calories or lose weight. It’s to heighten your awareness and appreciation of every bite – and many people do find that they eat less, enjoy more and make healthier choices when they become more mindful eaters.
Are you ready to incorporate more mindfulness into your meals? Start with these small steps.
Focus on Your Senses
Slow down and savor your food. Focus on your senses while you are eating. How do you experience smell, sound, touch, sight and taste? Notice all of these sensations as you slowly chew each bite.
Change Your Attitude
Embrace mindful attitudes when eating, such as:
Patience: taking time to be aware of each moment and letting the experience unfold
Non-judgment: cultivating an open mind and letting go of past experiences or attachments
Acceptance: noticing what you are experiencing and accepting it for what it is
Trust: developing awareness of your personal experience and trusting what is true for you
Write It Down
Keep a record in your journal of what you eat throughout the day. After a meal or a snack, jot down brief notes on:
What you ate or drank
Where you were and who you were with
If you were doing anything else while eating (watching TV, working, etc.)
How you felt while eating (hungry, sad, bored, etc.)
Remember the mindful attitudes you worked on earlier, especially non-judgment. Food journaling is supposed to build awareness, not shame or guilt. Just notice what you are eating and why, and that knowledge will help you make more mindful choices. Research shows that writing down what you eat helps you observe your habits, identify patterns and make healthy modifications in behaviors you want to change.
Strive to listen to your senses, savor your meals and eat mindfully every day.
Thanks Mari – such wonderful advice!
Be sure to visit all the stops on this wonderful blog tour!
— Blog Tour Dates
June 17th @ The Muffin
What goes better in the morning than a muffin? Stop by Women on Writing’s blog The Muffin and read an interview with author Mari McCarthy and win a copy of her book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/
June 18th @ Karen Brown Tyson’s Blog
Visit author Karen Brown Tyson’s blog today where you can read Mari McCarthy’s guest post about why you might still be experiencing writer’s block.
https://karenbrowntyson.com/blog/
June 19th @ Conversations Live with Cyrus Webb (Originally Aired June 12th @ 10:30 AM EST)
Cyrus Webb interviews Mari McCarthy of Create Write Now about her latest bestseller Heal Your Self With Journaling Power.
http://cyruswebb.com/category/conversations-live-radio/
June 20th @ Look to the Western Sky
Visit Margo’s blog today where you can catch her review of Mari McCarthy’s incredible new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://margoldill.com/
June 22nd @ Lapidus
Visit Lapidus, words for well-being association, where you can read Francesca’s review of Mari McCarthy’s eye-opening book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://lapidus.org.uk/news
June 23rd @ Life Like a Galaxy Girl
Stop by Alanna’s blog today where you can read her review of Mari McCarthy’s new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
http://lifelikeagalaxygirl.com/
June 24th @ Thoughts in Progress
Do you love the energy in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)? Well, if you do, you will not want to miss today’s post at the blog Thoughts in Progress where Mari McCarthy shares her tips on how to recreate the magic of NaNoWriMo in any month.
https://masoncanyon.blogspot.com
June 25th @ Bev Baird’s Blog
Make sure you stop by Bev’s blog today where you can read her review of Mari McCarthy’s book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
June 26th @ A Storybook World
Visit Deirdra’s blog today where she highlights Mari McCarthy’s new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
http://www.astorybookworld.com/
June 27th @ The Frugalista Mom
Make sure to Rozelyn’s blog and read her review of Mari McCarthy’s book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. Plus enter to win a copy for yourself!
https://thefrugalistamom.com/
June 29th @ Coffee with Lacey
Grab your coffee and visit Lacey’s blog today and read her thoughts about Mari McCarthy’s powerful new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://coffeewithlacey.com/
June 30th @ Wild Woman Writer
Visit Anne’s blog today where you can catch her review of Mari McCarthy’s inspiring new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://wildwomanwriter2018.blogspot.com/
July 1st @ Choices
Visit Madeline’s blog today and read Mari McCarthy’s poignant guest post about our conversations with our inner critic and how to silence them.
http://madelinesharples.com/
July 1st @ Writing Through Life
Be sure to stop by Amber’s blog and read her interview with author Mari McCarthy and also enter to win a copy of the book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://writingthroughlife.com/
July 2nd @ Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde
If you are in need of a new book in your life, make sure to stop by Lindsey’s blog today where you can read her review of MariMcCarthy’s new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://russelllindsey.blog/
July 2nd @ The Frugalista Mom
Stop by Rozelyn’s blog again today where you can read Mari McCarthy’s guest post about why we procrastinate and how to avoid it.
https://thefrugalistamom.com/
July 3rd @ The World of My Imagination
Visit Nicole’s blog today and catch her thoughts about Mari McCarthy’s book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://theworldofmyimagination.blogspot.com/
July 5th @ Bring on Lemons
Make lemons into lemonade today when you visit Crystal’s blog today and read her thoughts about Mari McCarthy’s new book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
July 7th @ One Sister’s Journey Keeping it Real
Visit Lisa’s blog today where you can read Mari‘s blog post about disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with yourself.
https://www.lisambuske.com/
July 8th @ A Day in the Life of Mom
Want to inspire your kids to journal? Visit Ashley’s blog today and read Mari McCarthy’s guest post featuring imaginative journaling activities to do with kids.
https://adayinthelifeofmom.com/
July 9th @ Bev Baird’s Blog
Visit Bev’s blog again where you can read Mari McCarthy’s guest post about mindful journaling for mindful eating. Don’t miss!
https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/
July 9th @ Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde
Visit Lindsey’s blog again where you can find out more about Mari McCarthy and her book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://russelllindsey.blog/
July 10th @ Lapidus
Join Francesca at Lapidus again where you can read Mari McCarthy’s guest post about why journaling is part of self-care.
https://lapidus.org.uk/news
July 10th @ Look to the Western Sky
Make sure you visit Margo’s blog again and read Mari McCarthy’s guest post featuring more imaginative journaling activities you can do with your kids.
https://www.margoldill.com/
July 12th @ Author Anthony Avina Blog
Stop by author Anthony Avina’s blog today where you can read his review about Mari McCarthy’s inspirational book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
July 12th @ Bookworm Blog
Visit Anjanette’s blog today where you can read her interview with author Mari McCarthy and also be sure to check out MariMcCarthy’s guest post about journaling power for emotional health.
https://bookworm66.wordpress.com/
July 13th @ A Day in the Life of Mom
Make sure your day today includes visiting Ashley’s blog where you can read her thoughts about Mari McCarthy’s life-changing book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://adayinthelifeofmom.com/
July 14th @ Author Anthony Avina Blog
Do you procrastinate too much? Well, visit Anthony Avina’s blog again today where you can read Mari McCarthy’s guest post on how to use your favorite types of procrastination to your advantage.
http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com
July 15th @ Strength 4 Spouses
Do you like to journal? Stop by Wendi’s blog today where author Mari McCarthy talks about journaling power for mental health. Don’t miss it!
https://strength4spouses.blog/
July 16th @ Reading Whale
Visit Caitlin’s blog today and read her interview with Mari McCarthy as they talk about Mari‘s book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://readingwhale.com/
July 17th @ Michelle Cornish Blog
Stop by Michelle’s blog where she reviews Mari McCarthy’s book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power. You can also check out her interview with Mari and find out more about the author!
https://www.michellecornish.com/blog
July 19th @ Strength 4 Spouses
Do you love journaling? Well if so, you will want to visit Wendi’s blog where she shares her thoughts about Mari McCarthy’s powerful book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://strength4spouses.blog/
July 19th @ Bookworm Blog
Visit Anjanette’s blog again where you can read her review of Mari McCarthy’s book Heal Your Self with Journaling Power.
https://bookworm66.wordpress.com/
July 21st @ Jill Sheet’s Blog
Visit Jill’s blog today where you can read Mari McCarthy’s blog post about overcoming writer’s block. Don’t miss this if you are struggling with staying inspired!
https://jillsheets.blogspot.com/
Dreams of a Highlander
Touch of a Highlander
Echoes of a Highlander
Eadon’s Vow 
Her Highlander Fate
Beverley A Baird 